13 
he sought to be relieved on account of declining health ; through 
his decease the Museum has sustained the loss of a very warm 
friend. Appropriate resolutions were adopted at the last meeting 
of the Board, which were entered in full upon the minutes, and 
engrossed copies of same forwarded to the members of his family. 
Mr. John B. Trevor, another zealous friend of this institution, 
and formerly a Trustee, died December 2 2d, last. He gave his 
best efforts to the interests of the Museum for a number of years 
until business demands compelled his retirement from the Board. 
During the first few years of the existence of the Museum, it 
was maintained solely by the subscriptions of its Trustees and a 
few zealous friends and members, whose interest in its aims 
prompted them to assist it. It is fair to assume that the contri- 
butions of the Trustees, as included in money and gifts of 
specimens, from the formation of the institution to the present 
time, will aggregate nearly nine hundred thousand dollars. 
The growth of public interest in the Museum during the past 
few years has been rapid and widely distributed, and many friends, 
recognizing the prominence which it has attained, have been 
prompted to exemplify their interest and appreciation by gifts of 
money and collections, substantial in amount. 
In conclusion, I would tender our hearty thanks to those who 
have become contributors during the year past, and I cherish 
the conviction that the coming one will witness an even 
greater increase in the amount of subscriptions. The history 
of the formation of endowment funds for public institutions has 
demonstrated that, after such a result as we have just achieved, 
a steady increase has followed, and I feel great confidence that we 
also shall secure ample means to enrich our collections. 
MORRIS K. JESUP, 
President. 
