16 
the State. It is certain that with suitable forest tracts of 
sufficient extent, and with adequate protection, this species 
could, at small cost, be again established as a resident. 
The buffalo is not mentioned in this connection, although 
up to the close of the last century it was still found about 
the Allegheny River, for the reason that it is now probably 
too late to do more than retard its extinction for a few 
generations. Experience which has been had with the 
European bison gives ground for the belief that enough of 
these animals do not now remain to avert that potent cause 
of degeneration — inbreeding. Although, if a general and 
determined effort to preserve the species were to be made,, 
the most hopeful results would be reached by establishing 
a number of herds in widely-separated localities in the 
United States, where exposure to different conditions of 
soil, food, and climate, influencing in some degree the 
development of the animals subjected to them, would pro- 
duce strains slightly unlike in constitution. Much benefit 
might be expected from the exchange of breeding animals 
from these separated localities. 
The Board desires to urge upon the members of the So- 
ciety the importance of exerting, upon all occasions and 
without delay, their efforts to secure the accomplishment of 
this great object, the opportunity for which will be forever 
gone within a time surprisingly short, if the existing neg- 
lect be continued. 
The thanks of the Board are extended to those who have 
remembered the Society with gifts during the year. 
By order of the Board, 
ARTHUR ERWIN BROWN, 
Secretary^ 
