248 ANNUAL MEETING 



all the nature study, physiology, etc. required of the schools by 

 the State. For these illustrated lectures we have also supplied 

 the lantern slides, the materials and apparatus for the illustrat- 

 ive experiments and have arranged special exhibits from our 

 collections adapted to the needs of each of the several grammar 

 school grades. This work more than encroached upon our 

 slender resources and had it not been for the willingness of the 

 executors of the Hayes Estate to advance us money and of one 

 of our banks to do the same, it could not have been so success- 

 fully carried on. These loans must therefore be repaid before 

 we can enjoy an increased income from our permanent funds. 



Until this year the Society has been compelled to rely for 

 most of its activities upon the several standing committees of 

 the Board who have attended to their duties with as much faith- 

 fulness as was consistent with the fact that they were composed 

 of men actively engaged in business who could only give some- 

 what perfunctory attention to our matters. 



During the past year and so soon as the Board of Managers 

 found that their probable income would warrant it they elected 

 Mr. Henry R. Howland as Superintendent with the result that 

 during the portion of the year in which he has given his entire 

 time to the Society's needs, there has been a marked improve- 

 ment in its affairs, heretofore under committee management. 

 Mr. Howland's report will give you some of these details. 



The report of the Recording Secretary, Dr. Cummings, 

 will give you details of the school lectures and that of the Di- 

 rector of the Museum will tell you of additions to the collections 

 which come more rapidly than our space provides for their re- 

 ception. The endeavors of our old and valued member, Mr. 

 Ottomar Reinecke, has supplied us with fine specimens of mam- 

 mals and further additions are contemplated. 



