The Portland daily press., 1863-12-31
The Portland Society Of Natural History.


This association is now entering upon the
twentieth year since its organization. 1t will
be remembered by many of our citizens that
the Cabinet Of the Society was once located in
the old Exchange building, Which was con-
sumedn 1854. The valuablejhnd we'll arranged
museum was wholly destroyed, hardly sin
gle mineral in the large collection being rec
ognizable among the ruins of the edifice. This
great scientific loss was one not easily repaired
The extensive Neurological cabinet contained
representative specimens of all the simple
minerals known to occur in the State, and the
collections In other departments were of great
intrinsic value.
1t was feared by many Of the members, that
the society would have to be dsbanded, so ut
terly hopeless was the prospect Of gathering
together another collection. But few active
members, inspired by the sympathy expressed
by kindred organizations and urged on by their
own unselish love of science, determined to
commence the work in earnest.
The ediflce known as the Portland Academy
was leased for a term Of years and important
alterations in the building were at once under
taken. Those who remember "Old Portland
Academy" would hardly recognize it in the
structure which now helps to adorn Congress
street.
As soon as the building was ready for the
reception of specimous, hundred parlors
made cheerful contribution of their shells and
curiosities. Articles of scientific interest were
received from friends in all parts of the State,
and TIE collection began to assume credit
able appearance. The indefatigability of the
President of the Society and his co-laborers
sought out and obtained specimens which had
long been forgotten by their possessors. Co
rails were found in attics, and many what
not gave up its jewels.
Subsequently, State collections were added
and arranged. As the Cabinet exists to-day,
it Is composed entirely of the State specimens,
and those presented by willing hands. The
suite Of geological specimens illustrates the
formations in this State as fdlly as any other
collection In Maine. The Herbarium Is quite
extensive and IL much more nearly exhaus-
tive than any other within the limits Of the
State. The exhibition of stuffed animals, In
eludlng the gallery Of birds, is now quite at
tractive, and SO are the collections In other de-
partments. Ofthese fuller account may be,
perhaps, sketched hereafter.
During these years of Its new life the socie-
ty has been deeply burdened by debt and
hampered by lack Of money. Still, the Pres
ident and a few hard-workers have kept up
good courage, and approach the New Year
|. with apparent cheerfulness. The credit ofen-
downing our city with scientific cabinet
which always attracts and interests, belongs
exclusively to them. They deserve the hear
ty thanks and earnest cooperation OF every
good citizen; they should receive the contin-
ued support Of the community In their arduous
labor.
Many of the shelves In the Museum are
still vacant and there are many inches yet un-
filled. Let such empty spaces be crowded to
repletion during the coming year, In order
that our city may be still more attractive, by
well-arranged and valuable collection OF scien-
tinc objects.