ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. SECRETARY'S REPORT. This Society was organized June 30th, A. D. 1858, and existed simply as an organization until February 22d, A. D. 1861, when it received its charter from the Legislature. The plan for a Society devoted to the advancement of Science in this State, was discussed at an annual meeting of the Illinois Teachers' Association, held at Decatur, in December, A. D. 1857, on which occasion a meeting was called, to be held at the State Normal University in Bloomington, on the day preceding the annual examination. Said meeting-the proceedings of which are published in a preceding volume of the State Agricultural Transactions-resulted in the organization of this Society. The demand for this movement seemed to proceed from a want of accurate knowledge in nearly all departments of Natural History in the State; and also, from a desire that all facts and discoveries in a field so vast as Illinois, should be made immediately subservient to the great ends of popular education. The first year of our operations was occupied in securing the cooperation of naturalists who live in various parts of the State. The plans and objects of the Society were heartily endorsed by them, and each began the work peculiar to his own department, at home. This plan has been pursued until the present time, and many portions of the State have been thoroughly explored. The results of these surveys and explorations have been placed in the hands of the curator, and during the last year have been arranged in the Museum of the Society, in the Normal University at Bloomington. These results demonstrate very plainly the wisdom of the movement. Our State is rich in nearly all departments of Natural History, and many new discoveries have been made since our surveys were begun. This is especially true in Botany, Entomology and Geology. Papers descriptive of new species will be published in the the next volume of the Society's Transactions. It is justly a source of pride, that among our own citizens there are persons competent to carry on this work and give it a permanent character. These individuals have labored with a zeal peculiar to the devotees of science; and it is owing to their energy and self-sacrifice that so much has been accomplished within the past two years. It is also a source of pride as well as encouragement, that in the annals of similar societies, we do not find an instance of such rapid progress—the example for which, however, had been previously set by the State for which the Society exists. It is unnecessary to say that many obstacles have been met and overcome, and that many still remain. With what labor or toil the Society has come to its present prosperity, let us not now declare. In nature the forces and energies that control matter, are silent and latent; and it is wise to imitate nature in this as in other respects. As in the days past, the people still ask "cui bono?" which must be answered; and still seek for a sign, which must be given. It requires considerable time to undergo public examination and to meet its approval and co-operation; and it is most gratifying to know that they not only see and approve, but are willing to cooperate for the complete success of our plans and purposes. The following papers were prepared-most of them—for the last meeting of the Society, and have since been revised for publication in this report. They consist of: I. MIND, FORCE AND MATTER-An Address-By Pres. J. B. Turner, Jacksonville. The Great TornadO OF 1860-By James Shaw, Esq., Mt. Carroll, Illinois. GEOLOGICAL SECTION OF ROCK RIVER, FROM STERLING TO OREGON-By Dr. Oli II. III. ver Everett, Dixon. IV. THE MASTODON GIGANTEUS-ITS REMAINS IN ILLINOIS-By C. D. Wilber, Bloom ington, V. THE WATER LILY, (Nelumbium Luteum,)—ITS MODE OF GROWтн-By Dr. F. VI. Brendel, Peoria. TAXIDERMY-By Richard H. Holder, Bloomington. 'VII. BIRDS OF ILLINOIS-Catalogue-By Richard H. Holder, Bloomington. VIII. NATURAL HISTORY IN SCHOOLS-By A. M. Gow, Dixon. IX. OBJECT LESSONS-By J. H. Blodgett, Amboy. X. INSECTS OF ILLINOIS, WITH CATALOGUE OF COLEOPTERA-By Cyrus Thomas, Murphysboro. XI. XII. XIII. MAMMALS OF ILLINOIS-Catalogue-By Cyrus Thomas. PLAN FOR A NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY-By Cyrus Thomas. ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF ILLINOIS-By Dr. Geo. Vasey, Ringwood, Illinois. XIV. MUSEUM OF THE ILLINOIS STATE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.-By C. D. Wilber. A copy of the charter and constitution of the Society, and the resolutions and reports of committees, together with a list of officers, are also added. BLOOMINGTON, March 4, 1861. C. D. WILBER, Secretary. |