112 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



organization eleven years ago. To. Dr. Wm. Alter, the first President, Dr. 

 Anstruther Davidson, W. A. Spaulding, Abbott Kinney and Wm. H. 

 Knight, we owe a debt of gratitude for this creditable and influential in- 

 stitution, which has become a source of pride to every member and which 

 you have too generously confided to my guidance at this juncture. You 

 know how long and faithfully Mr. Knight, the retiring President, has 

 served you in this capacity, and you may feel less keenly the transfer 

 of his office to one imperfectly qualified, when you consider that the 

 most important position of Secretary continues to be occupied by one 

 who is beginning his tenth year of arduous duty in that capacity. It need 

 hardly be stated that my hesitancy in undertaking the responsibilities now 

 falling upon me has been overcome chiefly by the fact that the Board of 

 Directors, as now composed, includes three out of the five Past Presidents 

 and the most efficient Secretary, who would certainly have been Presi- 

 dent in my place had it been feasible to spare him from the great work 

 he has performed with eminent success. 



Yet, proud as we are of them and of their achievements, I know 

 full well that they and the other working members of this society are 

 not content to rest on the laurels already earned. We all hope to push 

 on to even better things, according as the light of our knowledge may 

 guide us in the years to come. And as this hour brings the present duly, 

 what shall be our aim for the coming year? No one understands bet- 

 ter than the presiding officer how truly must the Directors become serv- 

 ants of the whole membership if a successful administration is to be se- 

 ctired. Past success implies past service along lines approved by the 

 members. The history of the growth of the Academy indicates this be- 

 yond question. And yet, it may well be that the old machinery is suscep- 

 tible of some improvement. There are two classes of business constantly 

 appearing in an organization like this, viz : that relating to its prestige as 

 a scientific body, and that which concerns its business affairs. Again,' 

 there may be certain matters which relate particularly to one section, 

 and others which affect the interests of the whole body. There are things 

 peculiarly fitting to be carefully discussed by selected officers, and other 

 ;tems on which the consensus of opinion of the members is of much 

 importance. 



Perhaps the Constitution provides well enough for the adjustment of 

 these matters, but personal observation and talks with members lead me 

 to think that our machinery has become a trifle worn, and that some pro- 

 vision ought to be made for adapting it a little more to the work we under- 

 take to perform. Your directors are earnest, capable and practical men, 

 and they can and will conduct your affairs well and economically. But 

 there are some things they cannot accomplish without your consent and 

 interest and your constant co-operation. 



Do not consider the meetings in the light of public lectures, but 

 rather as gatherings ■ for general discussion and enlightenment. Don't 

 leave to your President the thankless task of running the machine alone, 

 but turn in and work, each member regarding himself or herself as a 

 standing Committee on Wavs and Means. Moreover, give us the benefit 

 of vour advice and help to make it effective for good. We all seek an 

 end which is lofty and progressive. "Come then and let us reason to- 

 gether," and when once we have decided upon the road to follow, uniter 

 let us press forward towards the goal, and, above all, let us get there! I 

 pledge you my best endeavor, the consecration of self to the cause, and 

 I beg of you to hold up your end, and lend your helping hands. 



