Dec., 1901.] 
Meeting of the Biological Club. 
J 55 
enters on an elaborate extended research without the expectation 
that such results as he may obtain, especially such as are novel 
and important to the growth of science, shall at some time be 
given a public hearing and a permanent record in the annals of 
science. However much this ambition may be overworked and 
abused, it must be considered the logical and legitimate outcome 
of research, valuable as an incentive to work, essential to the 
progress of science. 
The output of scientific laboratories is always pressing hard 
upon the organs of publication, and though we have numerous 
periodicals open to all, many society proceedings and transactions 
devoted to their membership, university bulletins intended pri- 
marily for the staff and students of each institution, still adequate 
publication facilities are often wanting. Especially is this true 
regarding the suitable illustration of papers which depend largely 
on plates or drawings for the elucidation of the text. Our own 
modest effort in The Naturalist is an attempt to meet one 
phase of this demand, but you all appreciate, I think, that it is 
insufficient for the needs of our own institution. Some of the 
more extended papers resulting from the work of either students 
or faculty must suffer oblivion, delay or inadequate presentation. 
Evidently a publication fund is one of our pressing needs. 
Opportunities for research have been much increased within 
recent years, and now it is possible for one to look forward with 
some assurance to a career in research pure and simple if that is 
his desire. As many of those present doubtless anticipate such 
career, it may not be amiss to mention some of the opportunities 
that now present. Positions in connection with universities and 
colleges now as for a long time past offer some of the most avail- 
able openings. Fellowships, and positions as assistants with 
comparatively light duties with expectation that the holder will 
devote himself to investigation that will advance his branch of 
science are offered in many places and their value is shown by 
the numerous candidates for each position. Many government 
positions in Department of Agriculture, Geological Survey and 
Fish Commission demand a high degree of training and offer 
exceptional opportunities for research. 
The first few years following graduation are golden days of 
opportunity in the way of research. For the majority, perhaps, 
these are the days when the greatest amount of original study 
may be possible and under conditions favoring the greatest 
productivity. As time passes and duties and responsibilities 
increase the opportunity for uninterrupted work grows less and 
less. ' Of course original work should follow necessary prepara- 
tion but can not be postponed indefinitely, in hopes of a more 
favorable season, if the individual hopes to accomplish anything 
of value in his chosen science. Too early publication however is 
