431 
[Annual Meeting-, 
1892,] 
all the towns of Eastern Massachusetts. It is at present sup- 
ported entirely by Mr. Lowell and managed by him and the 
Curator. 
In estimating the value of co-operation with the Boston Univer- 
sity, the Institute of Technology, the Teachers’ School of Science, 
and the part we took in the foundation of the Wood’s Holl 
Laboratory, it can be shown that they have not only made 
influential friends in all branches of education but that they may 
be made useful in many ways. The history of these connections 
and that of the origin and conduct of the Geological and Natural 
History Survey of this State, in the earlier years of our existence, 
testify to the continual and effectual work done by this Society 
for the public service of education, not only in the city of 
Boston but throughout the state of Massachusetts. The record 
of public activity that has been made in these different con- 
nections and in the educational function and work of the Museum, 
and also our most recent effort to found Aquarial and Zoological 
Gardens, will some day be of great material value. They can be 
effectively used whenever desired as a claim to the support of the 
Government of the State, the City Government, and the public in 
general, and have given us a reputation that will gain a favorable 
hearing. It is safe to assert that no similar institution in 
the United States, Canada, or Europe can produce a better 
record . 
With regard to the future use of these influences, it ought to be 
said that, while the time does not seem to have come which would 
be favorable for this purpose, it is approaching. There are causes 
now at work which may at any time oblige us to make an appeal 
to the legislature, the city, or the public, or to all three at 
once. We are fully prepared for this step and farther than this 
our Museum can accommodate itself to any change that may be 
considered necessary. 
We can continue in our present building with limited collec- 
tions, and do effective work with our Museum without crowding 
upon or interfering with the social and scientific functions of the 
Society as such, or we can move into a new building and become 
a large municipal museum without materially altering the plan 
of arrangement of the different departments. 
The possibility of this last mentioned change has been foreseen 
and provided for. The Educational and New England series of 
