HYATT: REPORT OF THE CURATOR 
117 
simply passed. The work of the year was on the elementary principles 
of anatomy and physiology, including histology. The laboratory 
work was chiefly histological and was abundantly illustrated with 
common specimens such as a teacher could readily duplicate. 
Observation of those attending the course emphasizes the need of 
better trained teachers in our schools. A considerable number of the 
class, though teaching botany among other subjects, were found to 
be deficient, not simply in the elementary facts of the subject, but in 
training fitting them to observe correctly and to draw scientific con¬ 
clusions from their observations. As the class presumably represents 
the average of our teachers, the question may well be asked what 
manner of instruction in science is now being given in our schools. 
Certainly a much higher standard of attainment should be required 
than was shown by the majority of this class on entrance to the 
course. It was gratifying, however, to note that a considerable 
advance was made during the year, and that some of the class proved 
themselves apt pupils. That the teachers themselves appreciated the 
importance of further study was demonstrated by the large number 
of applicants for the course, and also by the number of those desirous 
of continuing another year. Thirty-nine applications of this kind, 
representing nearly the entire active membership of the class, were 
received. 
Dr. Greenleaf desires me to express his appreciation of the valu¬ 
able aid rendered by his assistants, Miss Jeannie Evans and Mr. 
Thomas A Watson. 
The Curator gave the first of a projected course upon zoology, 
going through the Protozoa, Mesozoa (Volvox and Eudorina), and 
dealing with Porifera, Hydrozoa, and Actinozoa among the Metazoa. 
The course began the first Saturday in November, and ended March 
14, making seventeen lessons of two hours each. The usual plan 
was pursued of teaching from specimens. The number of tickets 
issued was thirty-eight and the average attendance was twenty-four. 
The examination was held, April 18, sixteen persons presenting 
themselves. The results were very satisfactory. Only one person 
failed in passing the test of the series of specimens placed before 
each member of the class, and most of the class passed in this and 
upon their note books and replies to questions with unusual excel¬ 
lence. 
The museum has been visited on days when the public is not 
admitted by 17 teachers and 182 pupils, representing 17 schools. 
