6 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 



up the circulation of boxes to the furthest extremities and most 

 distant parts of the Society. When I have seen the pile of boxes 

 and the multiplicity of material heaped up in his room, I have 

 often marvelled that such regular issue of boxes can be kept up, 

 and any orderly management carried out. Now, we should do all 

 in our power to assist the Secretary in his work, by not detaining 

 unduly the boxes as they come into our hands, and by at once 

 communicating to him any irregularity that may be perceived, and 

 every accident that may occur. 



From the peculiar constitution of the Postal Microscopical 

 Society, one of the very essentials of its success — indeed, I may 

 say, of its existence — depends upon the regularity and punctuality 

 of each member in the circulation of the boxes. The Secretary 

 does his best to maintain that circulation, but each member must 

 heartily second his efforts ; let the name of Box-stopper be felt to 

 be a stigma, for recollect that every box-stopper so far impairs the 

 vitality of the Society. 



I find that very frequent complaints are made both of the non- 

 receipt of boxes, and also of their overcrowding ; one evil follows 

 the other ; congestion of boxes follows their stoppage. Not very 

 long ago eight boxes were received from one member by the Sec- 

 retary in one parcel, and four boxes from another ; and both 

 members at the same time sent in their resignation, giving as a 

 reason, that they could not pay proper attention to the require- 

 ments of the Society. Now, of course, we wish to retain all our 

 working-members, but those who either stop or congest boxes, 

 and who find it impossible to observe regularity in the circulation 

 of them at proper dates, had far better resign at once, with honour 

 and credit, than first to allow boxes to accumulate for four or five 

 months from their own unpunctuality, and then resign ! Surely, 

 there is no more eftectual way than this of throwing the entire 

 machinery of the Society out of gear, and casting discredit on its 

 management, besides diminishing its usefulness. 



And it is often very difficult to trace the box-stopper ; frequently 

 ten or twelve letters must be written in the endeavour to find him 

 out, — thus giving trouble, expense, and annoyance, to many 

 who are quite innocent. It is in fact the inflammation which 

 attends congestion. A little foresight will generally prevent any 



