244 The American Naturalist. [April, 
academies of original research are too few for any one of them 
to be diverted from its proper object. 
Recently the management of the Academy has undertaken 
some explorations in the Bermuda Islands, and the results are 
coming into print. Large collections of Invertebrata were 
made, and reports on these by Professor Heilprin are being 
published in the Proceedings. These embrace much matter of 
interest, and illustrate what can be done with a moderate out- 
lay in regions not remote. The recent appropriation by the 
State of Pennsylvania of $50,000 to the institution comes at a 
favorable period for advancing this excellent work. There are 
various ways in which this can be done. Our own belief has 
been and still is, that the best possible use for money at the 
present time is the endowment of some of the professorships 
which are as yet unoccupied. The most important agency in 
original research is men of ability and energy. They can be 
relied upon to obtain material more cheaply and effectively 
than persons not familiar with specialties. And these men 
should be members of the governing body of the Academy, 
ex-officio. 
In case the Academy should adopt such measures the 
wealthy citizens of Philadelphia cannot better advance the 
general intelligence as well as the reputation of their commu- 
nity, than by sustaining them by material aid. A new wing" 
should be added to the present building, with improved facili- 
ties for work and better light in some of its departments than 
the present building affords. The new wing should be erected 
for a smaller sum than the old one cost. 
At its April meeting the United States National Academy 
of Sciences elected officers for six years ; elected five new 
members, and some foreign correspondents; and conferred the 
Watson and Draper medals. Most of the old officers were re- 
elected, a new Vice-President (Prof. S. P. Langley), and a new 
member of the council being exceptions. In reelecting the 
incumbent of the office of President, the Academy made a mis- 
take which it cannot afford. This is to be regretted, as the 
