MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



5 



of geology at Mount Holyoke College, an outline of which is given 

 in the appendix of this report. These lectures were supplemented 

 by a series of excursions conducted by Miss Fannie A. Stebbins, 

 and this field work related directly to what had been considered in 

 preceding lessons. The course took the form of class work and there 

 were 35 members, about half of whom were teachers, together with 

 several physicians and other professional men whose interest increased 

 as the course progressed. 



Under the auspices of the Springfield Volcanic Research Society 

 and the museum. Prof. Thomas A. Jaggar, Jr., of the ^lassachusetts 

 Institute of Technology gave a talk on "Volcanoes," and "The Story 

 of Messina Earthquake" was given by Mr. Frank A. Perret. 



Six lectures on pure foods were delivered by Lewis B. Allyn of 

 the chemistry department of the State Normal School at Westfield, 

 Mass. This course, which is outlined elsewhere, was, like the one on 

 geology, very well attended throughout and by people who intel- 

 ligently profited by the opportunity. The results and the general 

 attitude of the audiences indicated that just such courses are wanted 

 and appreciated. 



Affiliated Societies. 



An especial effort has been made to attract such societies as have 

 for their prime interest the consideration of subjects more or less 

 related to natural history. During the year invitations to meet in 

 the building have been extended to and accepted by the Springfield 

 Volcanic Research Society, the Amateur Horticultural Society, and 

 the Springfield Fish and Game Association. Added to those formerly 

 making the museum a gathering place, this makes a total of seven 

 organizations to which the museum extends hospitality. 



An exceptionally interesting program is being followed by the 

 Geological Society, which has become very active after several years 

 of inactivity. This renewal of interest was brought about by the 

 stimulus resulting from the museum's course on local geology and the 

 supplementary excursions previously mentioned. 



A unique organization is the Springfield Volcanic Research Soci- 

 ety, which has recently become affiliated with the museum. This 

 society came into existence as a result of Mr. Harold Ley's interest 

 in the volcanic investigations being made by Mr. Frank A. Perret at 

 Vesuvius, Stromboii, Etna, and Teneriffe. Mr. Ferret's work at these 

 stations and at Messina is too well known to need relating in this 

 report. The society began as an informal organization of young busi- 



