bear the burdens of the Society, every member should consider it a privilege to aid 
the good work with both time and money. Narrow-mindedness can never accom- 
plish anything great ; liberality succeeds in the greatest undertakings. 
All of the best naturalists and scientific authorities have no hesitation in ex- 
pressing the opinion that taxidermy is a fine art, worthy to rank with the best 
examples of the highest plastic arts. This being a fact, a thorough study of anat- 
omy and muscular development is absolutely necessary if the artist would attain an 
elevated position in his profession. 
Shall we make taxidermy an art that will rank with those which are so eminent ? 
We hold in our hands the answer to this important question. If we do our duty, 
taxidermy will surely accomplish as much in the next ten years as it has during the 
past century. I believe the spirit of competition will have the desired result. Men 
of equal ability will strive to excel, and if their efforts are made in a friendly spirit, 
progression will surely follow. Golden opportunities are within our reach. Let 
every member be a zealous student of nature in the particular branch he intends 
following. Let him study living forms with diligence, model the muscular portions 
whenever possible, and never refuse to profit by the experience of those who have 
proven by their work that they are entitled to consideration. 
In closing, I desire to express, on behalf of the Society, our grateful acknowl- 
edgment of the sjnnpathy and support extended m our behalf by the prominent 
citizens of this city. Our thanks are also due to the press of this city and elsewhere 
for the kindly interest manifested in the welfare of the Society and for the 
valuable services they have rendered. We also owe our thanks to the distin- 
guished gentlemen who have so kindly acted as judges of the exhibition and other- 
wise done so much to make it a success. In tendering them our acknowledg- 
ments, I would say that we feel grateful for the guarantee they have given us of 
their interest in our work. WTen another year rolls around, may they witness a 
degree of improvement in our different exhibits which will prove to them and the 
public that the Society has not labored in vain. 
