torical activities on the Pacific Coast." Mr. Thwaites was in charge and had the conference take on an informal and round-table character from the start. Professor Sharnbaugh, who as a me-mber of the special committee of the American Historical Association investigating this subject had been assigned the societies west of the Mississippi River, reported on the condition and prospects of these organizations. He distinguished the different types of state societies to be found and developed generalizations as to the leading lines of activities essential to a normally constituted state historical society. These functions were, he thought, the collection of historical materials, the publication of historical contributions, and the supervision of research work. In a natural organization of activities local societies work in harmony with the state society and the latter would coördinate its work with that of the American Historical Association. Probably the most pressing need in the work of the state historical societies is that of a critical appreciation of sources and the prosecution of lines of critical investigation. For this reason the state societies should keep in touch with colleges and universities. In conclusion Professor Sharnbaugh spoke of the special work characteristic of some of the leading societies of the West. As George W. Martin, secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society, was present, he was called upon by Doctor Thwaites to explain the special methods, aims, and successes of the Kansas society.
As the Lewis and Clark Centennial celebration was inspired by the Oregon Historical Society, and this congress was largely under its auspices, it was natural that the Oregon society should receive special attention. It had been concerned to get the counsel of specialists on its problems. There was a statement of the conditions in its field affecting its work and an outline of its plans for the future. The plasticity still retained by the social organi-
