35 
has been an isolated worker, instinctively excluding himself from his fellow work- 
men, and, I am sorry to say, too often content in his own little knowledge, and 
fortified in his own conceit. Such has been the character of the typical taxider- 
mist, and considering this, is it strange that taxidermy has made but comparatively 
little advancement ? 
For a long time I had looked into the past with regrets and into the future 
with many doubts. I had often compared the present standing of the art with 
that which I considered possible in the future, and when it was proposed to form a 
Society, and my judgment was asked, I felt no hesitation in pronouncing it a step 
in the right direction. We saw at once that much good might follow the establish- 
ment of a Society of this kind, but there lay in the way so many obstacles, seem- 
ingly insurmountable, that at first we were fearful that the movement would meet 
with defeat. But the obstacles merely served to strengthen the determination of 
the few advocates of the plan. At first the proposition seemed audacious, but as 
we felt the matter grow in importance decisive steps were taken. On March 14th 
the few who felt most deeply interested met in an informal meeting, the plan of 
forming an association was discussed, and it was finally decided to organize a 
Society at once. At the next meeting officers were elected, a constitution was 
adopted, a plan of operations agreed upon, and the Society of American Taxider- 
mists came into existence. Immediate steps were taken to advise American 
taxidermists of the existence of the Society, and no effort was spared to induce 
worthy persons to join the organization. Steadily and with rapid strides has the 
good work gone forward, and the event ushered in by our reception on last evening 
is the crowning triumph of our labors thus far. Up to this time, the success of the 
Society has far exceeded the most sanguine expectations of its founders. It has 
been received with favor by the public, which is a sufficient guarantee of its merits. 
As we approach the future, and its possibilities, and pause to think what those 
who come after will say of their predecessors, we should realize the responsibility 
resting upon us as a Society. Never before have there been more than three artists 
associated together, and now that we stand as an associated body, I would charge 
each member to work earnestly for the success of this organization. I believe that 
an eventful future lies before us. The Society has made a good beginning, and we 
should all feel that thus far our efforts have been rewarded. We may well take an 
honest pride in our undertaking, and do all we can in the future to make each 
exhibition a grander success than the preceding one. This cannot be done with- 
out labor, money and tireless perseverance, and whoever may be called upon to 
discharge the duties of the association, should receive the aid and encourage- 
ment of every member. I would earnestly impress upon your minds the importance 
of being patient and hopeful, charitable and self-sacrificing at all times, having the 
welfare of the Society at heart as well as individual ambition. Above all, beware 
of jealousy, the green-eyed monster that has caused the defeat of many a noble 
undertaking. 
Though we may not see the immediate results of our enterprise, rest assured that 
in due time, we shall reap if we faint not. The Society and its exhibitions 
will earn for taxidermy a position that it has never before held — one of importance 
and influence. Let us not fear or even hesitate to cast our bread upon the waters, 
for it will surely return to us. We are entitled to no credit whatever so long as we 
demand that every dollar spent upon this Society shall come baSc to us immediately. 
We must learn to labor and to wait. Instead of allowing half a dozen members to 
