Museum of Natural History, 



Report of the Curator* 



To the Directors and Members of the City Librarij Association : 



The ninth annual report of the Museum of Natural History is hereby 

 respectfully submitted. 



In any estimate of the success of such an institution as the museum, 

 first place must be given to the active, definite influences M^hich it exerts 

 on popular intelligence and interest. Only as building and collections 

 are used as a means of educating young and old in the truth that is found 

 in nature can they be said to exercise their highest and best function. 

 The increase in range, number, and efficiency of the various activities of 

 the museum is a notable and encouraging feature of the year's work. 

 First in order your attention is called to the service rendered by the scien- 

 tific societies of the city in cooperation with the museum. 



Scientific Societies. 



The Springfield Botanical Society holds meetings monthly through 

 the winter and weekly for the rest of the year. From May to October of 

 last year the society made a study of trees. Papers were read by in- 

 dividual members and these served as a basis for discussion. The scheme 

 for the coming season includes topics in general botany and plant physi- 

 ology. Field meetings are held as opportunity offers. The sessions of 

 the society are held in the Science building and are open to the public. 



A class in botany meets one evening each week in the museum for 

 the informal study of plant forms. While the attendance on this class 

 is small, it has been of value in stimulating interest. 



The Zoological Club has been active and progressive. An interest- 

 ing series of meetings has been conducted under its auspices. Topics 

 suitable to the season are presented by local students. Recently the 

 club has adopted the plan of holding its sessions in the museum room 

 with the result of a greatly increased attendance. Chance visitors are 

 attracted by the meetings and become part of the audience. The follow- 

 ing report of the work of this organization was prepared by ]\Ir. F. F. 

 Smith of Ludlow, the secretary of the club. 



" The Zoological Club has held fifteen meetings during the year, with 



