PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 5 



curiously enlarged and modified, as in certain of the Gamasi. 

 Then, again, it may be the third pair, as in some of the Derma- 

 letchi, notably the one (first described and figured by Hermann) 

 found on the sparrow ; and, finally, it may be the last pair of legs 

 which is so remarkably different from the others. These modifi- 

 cations are generally found in the male, and are then of a sexual 

 character. 



The mouth-organs, also, are modified in a most marvellous 

 manner ; they are admirably adapted to the necessities of the 

 creature, and furnish us with numerous and beautiful, as well as 

 instructive objects. All these remarkable variations assist us to 

 recognise and classify these wonderful creatures. Nor must we 

 forget colour ; for among the mites we have the most vivid and 

 beautiful, as well as the most varied tints ; various shades of red 

 are the most frequent. But we have other striking and bril- 

 liant colours, such as blue, green, yellow, black, and white, espe- 

 cially in the HydrachnidcE, and often have I wished for the skill of 

 a "West or a Hammond, that I might have recorded the beautiful 

 colours and shades of those lovely creatures. 



Although I have so slightly and concisely glanced at some of 

 the characteristics of these living atoms, I hope you will allow that 

 I have made out a case for a record of their more minute and 

 accurate study, and I trust that at least some of our members will 

 be so influenced as to take up the matter seriously, and enrich our 

 note-books with accurate drawings, notes, and descriptions of the 

 specimens they may meet with, so that at some time in the near 

 future their collection may be of service to the microscopist in 

 general, and the acarologist in particular. 



In conclusion, I trust that every member of our Society will 

 contribute to the success of the coming session, not only by circu- 

 lating good slides, accompanied by appropriate notes, but by 

 asking questions when in doubt^ when wishing for information, or 

 where anything might be better or more clearly explained ; for the 

 asking of questions may cause members to write valuable notes, 

 who otherwise would take it for granted that everybody else was 

 as well informed as themselves. Let us all show that we are in 

 earnest, and the success of the session and the Society will be 

 ensured. 



