Pickering.] 2 [June 15, 



Boston, June 13, 1870. 

 Edward Pickering, Esq., Chairman of Committee. 



My Dear Sir : 



Having been informed that the Committee on Nomination of Pres- 

 ident of the Boston Society of Natural History were disposed to 

 offer my name as a candidate for that office, I beg leave through 

 you to say to the Committee, that however highly I consider the 

 proposed honor, I cannot consent to become a candidate, since my 

 health, which is often impaired, especially in the winter months, 

 might be inadequate to the very important duties and constant atten- 

 tion required of the first officer of the Society. So far as my health 

 and ability will permit, I shall always be happy to labor for the 

 interests of the Society, and whatever influence I can exert will be 

 in its favor. 



A younger man than myself, I believe, would be able to serve the 

 Society as President much better than I can, and my personal 

 preference would be in favor of the promotion of the second Vice- 

 President, Mr. T. T. Bouve, to the Presidency of the Society. 



Most cordially thanking the Committee for their favorable con- 

 sideration, I have the honor to be, 



Your Obt. Servt. 



Charles T. Jackson. 



I am under these circumstances instructed by the Committee to 

 propose for the office of President of this Society, the name of our 

 second Vice-President, Thomas T. Bouve. 



E. Pickering, for the Committee. 



Boston, June 15, 1870. 



It was then moved by Dr. C. F. Winslow that the report 

 be accepted, and that the Society proceed to ballot for the 

 candidate presented by the Nominating Committee. 



Dr. J. B. S. Jackson moved, as an amendment, that the 

 ballot be postponed to a meeting to be held on Wednesday 

 next, of which notice shall be given in the newspapers on 

 the Monday and Tuesday preceding, and on Wednesday, the 

 day of the meeting. 



Dr. D. IT. Storer moved, as a second amendmcno, that the 

 ballot be postponed to the first meeting in October. 



