in the hope of deciding some questions of variation of species that, 

 so far as I know, are not yet known. I shall be glad to have help 

 in this matter. 



Most of us can tell meadow lark from a black bird when we see 

 them in the field; but could we tell the skeleton of one from that of 

 the other? 



What I have said, as to our knowledge of several branches of the 

 animal kingdom is probably true of all other branches. We need 

 more knowledge. We must remember that there is an economical 

 side to this question as well as the side that we are accustomed to 

 call scientific. Vigorous, progressive commercial interests are look- 

 ing for men who have an insight into the problems of biology and 

 chemistry, for their success depends upon such men. 



The opportunity is open to any who may have energy and fore- 

 sight enough to cause them to enter- 



The Southern California Academy of Sciences stands ready to give 

 assistance to any who may be in need of it. 



I take this occasion to thank the members of the Southern Cali- 

 'fornia Academy of Sciences for the honor they have done me in 

 making me president and I trust that they shall not be disappointed 

 in the choice. 



There is a feeling of enthusiasm among the men and women of 

 the Academy with whom I have talked and I predict a year of un- 

 precedented progress. 



Two facts seem to stand out with peculiar prominence and these 

 are the need of a greatly increased membership and of some definite, 

 systematic work on the part of the older members to help those of 

 less experience in the ways of fundamental, constructive thinking. 



Some members have been doing this regularly for years and will 

 still work along this line; but there is need for more such effort by 

 more people. 



We expect the fullest and frankest and happiest cooperation in 

 all sections of the Academy and we hope to accomplish great good 

 in the matter of the dissemination of knowledge among men. 



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