Philadelphia Manual Training School - US Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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aker and Schuenemann, the mineralogistsg Hays, the ornitholo- gist, who explored the lowland creeks and marshes of the Dela- ware in search of specimens, and Curtis, the younger, and Hetzel, Whose reputations as botanists need not be mentioned. An event, which will not soon be forgotten by the members of the N. H. S. and their Iiiends, was the reception given Febru- ary of 1888. The programme was varied, consisting of selec- tions by the M. T. S. orchestra, an address by the Rev. Charles G. Ames, the'Unitarian ministerg promenading, refreshments and dancing until the wee small hours. It is hoped that '90, ,QI and the coming classes will uphold the Society and its objects with the same zeal and energy which have characterized the efforts of '89, S!

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NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. HIS Society, which is the oldest school organization in exist- ence, is the leading association of the school. It was organized October 21st, 1886, at the suggestion of two members of '89 QMessrs. Curtis and Dickersonj, who recognized the need of such a Society. Lieutenant Crawford, then Presi- dent of the school, gave the nucleus of what is now quite a collection of specimens of mineralogy, geology, ornithology, zoology, botany, conchology and entomology. The Society is well housed, and its room is fitted up with cabinets, book- cases, reading tables and chairs, which makes it quite a pleasant place to spend time after hours. The library consists of about zoo bound volumes, besides a large number of pamph- lets, periodicals and reports. The Outing Club, which consists of the pedestrians and out-door students of the Society, has searched the hills and vales, by-paths and streams in and around Philadelphia for a radius of a number of miles. It has not only added to the cabinets local specimens, but has been the means of adding a store of knowledge and health to members, while some have become expert tramps. I-Ietzel, of'88, as a member of the club, made himself famous by his maps, sketches and accounts ofthe trips of the club which he had written. Koch, who has quite a reputation as an ornithologist and oologist, and as Curator of the Society, has about doubled the value of the specimens by his manner of arranging and cata- loguing the same. Simpson, as Librarian, and also as the lead- ing entomologist, is one of the shining lights of the Society. In mentioning the celebrities we must not forget Curtis, who was President for seven consecutive terms, Kavanagh, whose repu- tation as a secretary is-known, Chattin, the oologist, Tooth- , so

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TI-IE OUTING CLUB. OON after the organization of the Natural History Society it Was decided that an Quting Club be started in connection with it. The object of this club was to combine the study of Natural History with pleasure. For this purpose a number of trips have bee-n taken about the environs of the city. Thus we study nature in the best Way. These trips have been a source of pleasure to all who have .taken part in them. The specimens collected have been very valuable, inasmuch as they have interested the collectors to such an extent that they will go to reference books to learn more about them. This is the way We become acquainted with all our cornmon minerals, trees, flowers, insects and birds, and at the same time gain a fair knowledge of the vicinity of Philadelphia. The specimens are the property of the collector, but it is cus- tomary for the members not only to collect for themselves, but also for the museum, that the Society may profit by the trips too. Most of us have particular branches in which We are interested. For instance, the club's musician-lVlr. Koch-is deeply inter- ested in Ornithology and Oology. He is always looking out for his friends, the birds and their eggs. Some others are more inter- ested in Entomology or Botany. Thus all branches are repre- resented, and the members pleased to study their favorite topics. A report of each trip is made, in which everything of interest concerning the journey is recorded, and a full description' of all specimens collected. This report is read before the Society at its regular meetings, so that one, although not a member of the club, may derive much beneht from the reports ofthe expedi- tions. Little or no expense is incurred, as We generally walk the whole trip throughout. In the tenitrips We have walked one 52