Annual Meeting.] 378 [May 4, 



Mr. Scudder, on withdrawing from the presidential chair, thanked 

 the Society for its uniform courtesy and support during the seven 

 years in which he had directed its deliberations. He had been a 

 member of the society now for a generation, had even held some 

 office for half his life-time ; and in retiring from his position had 

 no wish nor intention of withdrawing from the active service of the 

 Society, whose best interests were and ever would be his own. 



Professor Putnam then took the chair. In a few well chosen 

 words he thanked the Society for the honor of his election, while he 

 could but regret that Mr. Scudder had persisted in his determina- 

 tion to decline a reelection to the position he had so worthily filled, 

 and in which he had done so much to promote the interests of the 

 Society. He then asked for the support of the members in carry- 

 ing on the Society's work. 



A communication from the Council recommending the passage 

 of the following resolution was read : 



Whereas an effort is being made to establish a marine biological 

 station upon the New England coast, and whereas it is the opinion 

 of this Society that such a station is urgently needed and will be 

 of great benefit to science and education, 



Resolved : That the Boston Society of Natural History expresses 

 a cordial approval of the attempt to start the proposed station and 

 directs the Council of the Society to cooperate in the foundation 

 and maintenance of the station in such ways as it shall deem most 

 advantageous to science and suitable for the Society. 



The resolution was unanimously adopted. 



The following letter was read : 



71 Chester Square, May 4, 1887. 

 Edward Burgess, Esq. 



Secretary Boston Society of Natural History : 



Dear Sir : I have received the notice of the Annual Meeting of 

 the Boston Society of Natural History, and as the state of my health 

 will prevent me from being present I desire to say to the mem- 

 bers that my absence from this, as well as from the regular meetings 

 of the Society, is from no lack of interest. I watch the progress 

 of the Society with rejoicing. I know well how much it is do- 

 ing in many departments of natural history, awakening a deeper 

 interest, and that the teachers of this community have derived the 

 greatest possible benefit from the efforts made by the Society for 

 their advantage. 



