1876.] 249 [Bouv<5. 



low paths of progress they might not otherwise enter; and at the 

 same time become one whose thoroughly scientific character and 

 action should be recognized the world over. Scientific, I mean, in 

 accordance with its aims; for I have always recognized that these 

 should be very different from those of such institutions as the Mu- 

 seum of Comparative Zoology. Add to these reasons the assurance 

 that was given me by all the active members, that my acceptance 

 would certainly promote the good of the Society and further my wishes 

 regarding its action, and you have my reasons for taking the position. 



Since then all, or most of you know, the great changes that have 

 been brought about, and the much that has been done towards 

 accomplishing the ends then in view. By as economical management 

 as possible, most of the cases throughout the building have been 

 altered, so as now to be of the best character for the preservation 

 of their contents, and this work will now go on to completion. 

 Through much study on the part of the Custodian and other offi- 

 cers, and by great labor of many members of the Society extending 

 through the years of my service as President, the great change so 

 much desired and so necessary for our well being, has been, not with- 

 out opposition, accomplished, and thus the strong wishes of all desir- 

 ing the highest good of the Society have been realized, or soon will 

 be. The collections of the several departments present now, " begin- 

 ning with the minerals, a series of lessons in the structure of the 

 earth and its constituent parts, and in the organization of the plants 

 and animals living upon its surface." Moreover, there is, or will be 

 soon, a separate New England collection for each, which fulfils a 

 strong desire long entertained and advocated by me. 



During my term of office there has been consummated, greatly to 

 my satisfaction, a hearty co-operation with the Institute of Technol- 

 ogy, by means of which we have both been able to accomplish more 

 than we otherwise could have done for the advancement of the pur- 

 poses for which we were instituted ; the increase of science and of 

 general knowledge among men. 



Rejoicing that the objects referred to, and many others dear to my 

 wishes, have been accomplished, or are in the fair way of being so, 

 and with the full recognition on my part that no interest will now suffer 

 by a change, but that, on the contrary, benefit may result, — thanking 

 you gratefully that opportunity has been given me by your support, 

 to further projects that I felt important for the welfare of the Society, 

 I now cheerfully tender my resignation of the office of President, 



