84 HISTORICAL SKETCH

recognized the importance of a thorough study of the physical char-
acteristics of the region adjacent to Baltimore.

In the winter of 1876-7 Professor J. E. Hilgard, the Superinten-
dent of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, was invited to
the University to give a course upon " The Methods and Results of
extended Territorial Surveys carried on in America and in Europe. "
Twenty lectures were delivered, in the course of which the features
of the Chesapeake basin were considered. A model showing the
relief of the region of Druid Hill Park was prepared for use in the
lectures, and was subsequently presented to the city.

A study of the physical resources of Maryland was subsequently
undertaken by the members of the Biological Department, who par-
ticularly investigated the fauna and flora of the area. The organiza-
tion of the Chesapeake Zoological Laboratory in the summer of 1878
under the immediate charge of Dr. W. IL Brooks marked the begin-
ning of systematic work in this direction. A close association with the
Maryland Fish Commission was effected, and in 1879 the laboratory
was stationed at Crisfield, where an excellent opportunity was afforded
for the special study of the oyster-beds of the Chesapeake. The
results of this work were subsequently published as a report of the
Maryland Fish Commission in a volume entitled " The Development
of the American Oyster. "

In 1880 the Baltimore Naturalist's Field Club was organized under
the direction of Professor H. N. Martin of the University for the study
of the fauna, flora, geology and physical geography of the neighbor-
hood of Baltimore. The club was founded " in order to endeavor to
meet the recognized want in the city of some organization for the
active promotion of field work in natural history. " All members of
the University and residents of Baltimore of known attainments as
naturalists were eligible for election to the club. The club began
with twenty-two members, which number was doubled before the
close of the year, much interest being manifested in the study of the
region about Baltimore as the result of the weekly excursions which
were made. Addresses were delivered before the club from time to
time upon natural history, one, among others, by Professor P. R.