president's address. 15 



this gathering- of his friends and guests. In their name he 

 thanked him for his services as an active partner in their labours, 

 as a wise legislator and officer in the management of their affairs, 

 and a benefactor whose munificence would have made us feel a 

 heavy burden of obligation, had it been attended with scantier 

 courtesy, or with less emphatic kindness. 



Two months later, on 2nd January 1886, Mr. Fletcher entered 

 upon his duties, which he has carried out up to the present time. 

 For nearly six years, he had the great advantage of Sir William 

 Macleay's friendly advice, co-operation, and help in every possible 

 way, until Sir William was prostrated by his last illness. It 

 has been his aim and best endeavour, during the subsequent 

 period of more than twenty-seven years, to justify Sir William's 

 expectations. The three Trusts which Sir William devised to 

 the Society have been realised and in working order for some 

 time — one providing for an income for general purposes ; the 

 second, which enabled the Society to equip and maintain a bac- 

 teriological laboratory, and to appoint a research-bacteriologist, 

 has been effective for more than twenty years (since September, 

 1898); and the third, providing for the appointment of Research 

 Fellows, has been operant since 1905. Now the time has come, 

 he has asked the Council for his honorable discharge. No 

 Society has received better service than that given by our Secre- 

 tary. The welfare of the Linnean Society has been the sole care 

 of his industry. Personal advantage has not been considered 

 by him, and we owe him thanks for many hours of ungrudging 

 toil. We do not, however, expect to lose the watchful control 

 which has guided so well our affairs. We hope that Mr. Fletcher 

 will still remain with us to offer that advice winch is invaluable. 



The resignation of Mr. Fletcher cast on the Council the re- 

 sponsible duty of selecting a successor. After much deliberation, 

 the Council has selected Dr. A. B. Walkom as Secretary. He 

 will commence his duties upon April 1st next. We can wish 

 him every success. 



During the year we have had the pleasure of welcoming back 

 one of our Soldier-Members, Mr, H. W, Bretnall, after service 



