organ of all Illinois naturalists, upon whose active aid the success, and 
especially the degree of usefulness, of the enterprise is, of course, almost 
entirely dependent. 
It is believed that by thus limiting the undertaking to a special field in 
which our own naturalists may be supposed to be better able to work than 
any others, and to which they are more likely to devote themselves with ar- 
dor and success, all the advantages of a local stimulus to research may be 
gained without inflicting upon science any increase of the number of rival 
centers of publication of similar scope and purpose. 
For the purpose of providing better facilities than now exist for the fu- 
ture prosecution of the work here outlined, it is necessary that complete 
collections of specimens should be made in all parts of the state, that a 
full and well-selected library should be brought together, and that these 
should be thoroughly organized for practical use. Contributions of speci- 
mens and books are therefore earnestly desired. These will be received at 
the Museum, properly cared for, promptly arranged, catalogued and indexed, 
and held for the use of any working naturalist. 
S. A. FORBES, 
Curator Illinois Museum of Natural History. 
Normal, III., Oct. 16, 1876. 
