4 



CITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 



effects of insects, disease, and fire. Another displayed sections of 

 wood and leaves upon which insects were breeding and working; 

 another, various fungi; others contributed kinds of wood, with draw- 

 ings of trees and accompanying essays concerning the use of different 

 species. Fruits were displayed; demonstrations of the absorption of 

 moisture by various soils were given, and wath each were neatly 

 prepared explanatory labels. Much good from such work must arise, 

 and surely the coming generation will better understand the vast 

 importance of conservation. 



Teachers' Meetings. — In connection with the public school study of 

 natural history a series of teachers' meetings have been conducted 

 by the supervisor. Miss Stebbins, who has brought to the attention of 

 teachers the museum material available for their use. 



Classes. — These meetings have resulted in an increased use of the 

 museum by pupils. Not so many classes with teachers have come as 

 in some past years, but a constantly increasing number of children 

 do come for a definite purpose and ask for assistance of the attend- 

 ants. A certain number of visits, and reports upon observations, 

 constitute a part of their school work. 



An effort is being made to give more individual attention to 

 children, and there are opportunities for worthy results along this 

 line. 



Museum Publications as Reference Books. — Another method of 

 cooperation is the use of the museum's publications. Copies of Bulle- 

 tin No. 2 on "Insect Galls of Springfield and Vicinity" by Miss 

 Stebbins, which the museum published last year, have been placed 

 for reference in libraries of the 36 buildings, and the recent publica- 

 tion, "Birds of Springfield," is regularly used as a nature notebook. 



Co-operation with the Library. 



Never have relations between museum and library been closer 

 than to-day. By displaying books and pictures in connection with 

 special exhibits, supplying attendants at intervals, and by general 

 interest and endeavor, the library helps to further every undertaking 

 of this closely related department. 



Free Lectures and Excursions. 



The lectures delivered during the year under the auspices of the 

 museum number 18, and were as follows: — 



Course of 10 lectures on geology by Miss Mignon Talbot, professor 



