29 
and relations of animals and plants to each other and to 
their surroundings. 
The Society proposes to supply this explanation by 
means of an epitome collection which, with a printed 
guide, shall explain the structure and relations of the 
more important subdivisions of animals and plants, the 
general adaptations of the structure of organisms to an 
aquatic existence, and the fact that under ordinary condi- 
tions, however diverse, the organisms retain their typical 
structures. This collection would consist of two classes of 
objects, — (a) a series of representative forms, including the 
principal types of animals and plants ; (5) such general 
dissections and other anatomical preparations of selected 
types, accompanied by diagrams, as may enable the ob- 
server to grasp the fundamental points of the structure, 
physiology, and correlations of the animal kingdom, but 
with special reference to those living forms which consti- 
tute the whole aquarial exhibit. These collections, being 
an introduction to the larger display, should occupy one 
room, serving also as the vestibule or entrance hall in the 
main building. 
2. The correlations between certain structures and parts 
in animals, and their habits and natural surroundings, can 
be illustrated by placing plants and animals that live on 
muddy, sandy, gravelly, or rocky parts of our own shores 
in separate aquaria properly arranged and furnished. The 
suitability of organisms to the work they have to do could 
be illustrated in this and other ways, and clear ideas of 
one of the fundamental laws of organic modifications pre- 
sented to intelligent visitors and students. 
3. The extraordinary modifications which have taken 
place in the structure of the descendants of air-breathing 
land animals, in ’order to fit them for life in the sea, would 
be illustrated in the aquaria and also in the salt-water 
