3* 



The Museum Committee, through Dr. N. L. Britton, Chair- 

 man, reported the many and important changes that had been 

 made in the section of the museum building assigned to the 

 Society, and of the future development of the Mansion and 

 its surroundings. 



The Committee on Books and Literature, Hon. Victor H. 

 Paltsits, Chairman, reported at length upon the work of the 

 Committee. He emphasized the necessity of the protection of 

 the Poe Cottage, both from danger by fire and other causes, 

 and believed it would be inexpedient to place any valuable 

 relics or collections in the Cottage before every precaution had 

 been taken to guard against the dangers mentioned. 



The Committee on the Preservation of Natural Scenery and 

 Historic Sites and Objects reported through Hon. W. W. 

 Niles. Chairman, particularly on the work of the Bronx Park- 

 way Commission, both as to the important character of the 

 work, not only as to preservation and improvement, but of the 

 great change made by the work on the conservation of health, 

 throughout the entire length of the valley of The Bronx. 



In the absence of Mrs. A. C. Fisk, Chairman of the Poe 

 Cottage Committee, Hon. William W. Niles reported upon the 

 work at the cottage, noting the increased attendance, the active 

 cooperation of kindred societies, notably the Browning Society, 

 and the high character of the new caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. 

 Shaw. Subsequently, a telegram was received from Mrs. 

 Fisk, dated Washington, D. C, 19th instant, saying she was 

 unavoidably detained, and congratulating the Society upon the 

 gift of Mrs. Russell Sage of fifteen hundred dollars to the 

 Cottage fund. 



The Garden Committee of the Bronx Society of Arts and 

 Sciences, consisting of Commissioner Whittle, Dr. Murrill and 

 Mrs. Ayres, presents the following report : 

 Dr. Murrill writes : 



" It seems to me that the basis of success in any attempt to 

 cultivate vacant city property on an extensive scale is instruc- 

 tion. Without proper instruction, enthusiastic citizens may 



