THE PHIIPOSE OF THE SOCIETY. 
As it is often asked wkat are tke objects of the Society of Ameiican iaxider- 
mists, it may not be amiss to briefly explain them. As the constitution states, 
“The objects of this Society are to promote intercourse between those who are 
interested in the art of taxidermy in various parts of America, to encourage and 
promote the development of that art, and to elevate it to a permanent and 
acknowledged position among the fine arts.” Amateur and professional taxider- 
mists are alike welcomed as members, and, upon entering, all stand upon an 
exact equality, their subsequent work alone determining their position in the 
Society. The organization was not started for the benefit of professionals alone ; 
but, on the contrary, one of its chief aims is to encourage, stimulate, and 
recognize the efforts of amateurs, and many of the Society’s most earnest sup- 
porters follow taxidermy merely for pleasure. One great desire of the members 
is to raise the standard of museum work, so that American museums may lead 
the world in the quality of their material and be filled with lifelike animals in- 
stead of being storehouses of monstrosities. It is gratifying to know that nearly 
all the work now done for our large museums is done by members of the Society. 
The annual meetings and exhibitions afford valuable opportunities for the com- 
parison of work and methods, while it is specially intended that they shall 
create in the public a just appreciation of taxidermy as a fine art. The exhibi- 
tions are held in such localities as may be decided upon by the members. The 
first was in Rochester, N. Y. , and the second in Boston, Mass. 
In its effort to develop a new school of taxidermy in America which shall 
completely surpass its present standard of excellence, the Society expects the 
suppoi-t of naturalists, artists, all lovers of animated nature, and especially the 
patrons and officials of American museums. 
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