8 



CITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 



Scientific Societies. 



The museum promotes the pursuit of studies in natural history 

 by the facilities it affords for the meetings of organizations engaged 

 in scientific research. An unusually strong and progressive body is 

 the Botanical Society, which maintains a regular annual program of 

 talks and lectures, and also conducts excursions and rambles for the 

 study of local flora, as the season and weather permit. 



An important gathering was that of the New England Federation 

 of Natural History Societies, which met at the museum by invitation 

 of the Botanical Society for a two-days' session — September 24 and 

 25, 1909. The program included lectures by authorities on various 

 phases of natural history; exhibits of plants, animals, and minerals; 

 a social gathering; and an excursion to Mount Tom. 



The influence of such societies and meetings is by no means 

 limited to the membership, but is felt in an increased interest in 

 natural science throughout the community. 



On June 1, 1909, a local committee was appointed to cooperate 

 with the Audubon Society in taking measures for the protection of 

 birds. 



Classes. 



A direct mode of instruction is that afforded by organized class 

 work. Two lines have been followed during the past year: — 



Miss Fannie A. Stebbins, supervisor of nature study in the public 

 schools, has conducted a series of exercises for teachers on topics 

 in mineralogy and ornithology, with an average attendance of 25. 



The Assistant Curator has given during the winter and spring 

 a course of 12 lessons in mineralogy, in which there v/as an enroll- 

 ment of 54 students. 



Special Exhibits. 



A wise administrator in museum matters takes note of the devices 

 used in the business v>^orld to attract and hold patronage. Variety 

 and change are essential to good advertising. Advantage may be 

 taken of any particular popular interest. Articles which, in their 

 wonted place on the shelves, would pass unnoticed, when grouped 

 in a new arrangement, at once attract attention, and increase attend- 

 ance. For several years the practice has been followed of exhibiting 

 flowers in their season, and birds according to their migration. Such 

 combinations may be effected on many lines. 



