PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS 



SUGGESTIONS. 



Preliminary to the address proper which will be of a scien- 

 tific nature, I desire to call attention to a few matters of concern to 

 t1^e Academy, matters which seem to me to be of importance in 

 ■connection with its fnrther growth and usefulness, and to offer a 

 few suggestions. 



In the fifteen years of the Academy's existence it has accom- 

 plished many laudable undertakings and has been the means of 

 stimulating and furthering investigations in a number of different 

 lines. Among the most important of its functions is the means 

 it has given for co-operation and acquaintanceship among scientific 

 workers of the state. Numerous papers on geology and the natural 

 history of the state which have appeared from time to time in its 

 publications are the tangible results of the efforts of its members. 

 The use of the McMillin Research Fund has been, perhaps one of 

 the most important influences in its work in recent years, and the 

 amount of scientific investigations and the number of credita])le 

 papers which have been published as a result of the encourage- 

 ment derived from this fund is, it seems to me, a remarkable and 

 creditable showing for the money used. Among the important 

 contributions which may be found listed among the papers credited 

 to this fund are, Studies of Preglaeial Drainage in Ohio, The 

 Pishes of Ohio, The Ecology of Big Spring Prairie, The Tabanidae 

 of Ohio, An Annotated List of the Birds of Ohio, The Coccidae of 

 Ohio, Reptiles and Batrachians of Ohio, and other studies are in 

 an advanced stage of progress c^^nd reports of these will soon be 

 forthcoming. When we consider that this has been the result 

 of a contribution of $250 per annum through a series of eight 

 years we may flatter ourselves and congratulate the donor as to 

 the showing made. Another matter in which the Academy was 

 influential was the establishment of the Topographical Survey 

 Avhicli has been progressing steadily and which when completed 

 will furnish a basis of Icnowledge for many otlier lines. Our pro- 

 ceedings and special papers form a creditable series and aie yearly 

 growing more valuable. 



In taking note of various lines of organized science in the 

 state it will be an easy matter to see what lines are being most 

 thoroughly pushed and Avhere the Academy may best exert its 

 efforts. The State (reological Survey is ably conducted and re- 

 ceives sueli su])]>ort from the state as to make steady progress in 

 tliis important line of investigation.. The Studies ci: the Archeo- 



