MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



7 



As ten years constitute the term requisite for generalization, it v/ill 

 soon be possible to frame some law of arrival. The Bird Book published 

 each year is a distinct aid to study and helps in the securing of data. 

 In like manner a careful record is kept of reports on the date of flower- 

 ing of various plants, and in time conclusions can be drawn from this 

 material. 



While the main purpose of the museum is to interest and instruct 

 the community, it is highly important that relations should be main- 

 tained with active scientific bodies. Such association serves as a 

 stimulus and inspiration. And there is abundant opportunity for 

 research work upon our local natural history. The remarkable col- 

 lection of Indian relics found in Wilbraham a few years ago and 

 now in the possession of the museum might well be made the subject 

 of a monograph. In the geological formation of the valley, such as 

 the terraces of the Westfield river and the lava flows of Holyoke and 

 Tom, there is a rich field for the student. Both means and workers for 

 these undertakings will surely be provided in the near future as one 

 of the results of the influence of the museum and of the confidence it 

 has won in the minds of the people. 



WILLIAM ORR, 



Curator. 



May 1, 1907. 



