PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 



tenure of a Fellowship, during which he lias applied liimself 

 energetically to the study of freshwater Oligochseta and Hirudinea. 

 Four papers dealing with exceptionally interesting or specially 

 iiiiportant forms of both groups have appeared in the second and 

 fourth Parts of the Proceedings for 1908. Subsequent studies of 

 these groups of a more comprehensive and systematic character 

 are well advanced, and, in addition, the freshwater Polyzoa are 

 engaging his attention. I have pleasure in announcing that the 

 Council has reappointed Mr. Goddard to a Fellowship from the 

 1st prox. 



In December last, inasmuch as the accumulation of the funds 

 permitted it, and very promising candidates were forthcoming, 

 the Council decided to elect a third Fellow; and I have very 

 great pleasure in making the first public announcement of the 

 election of Mr. Leo A. Cotton, B.A., B Sc, in this capacity. 



Mr. Cotton has had a brilliant career at the Sydney University, 

 graduating both in Arts and in Science, and obtaining First 

 Class Honours in Mathematics in each year. First Class Honours 

 in Physics, the Smith Prize for Physics, the Slade Prize for 

 Practical Physics, High Distinction in Chemistry and Physics, 

 the Deas Thomson Scholarship in Geology, Professor David's 

 Prizes in Geology, and the John Coutts Scholarship in Geology, 

 and has held the position of Demonstrator in Geology during 

 1908. Mr. Cotton selected Geology as his branch of study, and 

 more particularly Geology in its relation to Ore-deposition, more 

 especially in the New England District. In entering upon his 

 work a few days hence, Mr. Cotton may rest assured of the 

 Society's hearty congratulations and good wishes. 



For the first time in its history, then, the Society will have 

 four investigators, including three Fellows, at work under its 

 auspices during the coming Session. This will be the nearest 

 possible approach to the complete realisation of Sir William 

 Macleay's scheme for the endowment of research which existing 

 circnmstances permit for the present. The oversight of these 

 varied and seriously undertaken attempts to enlighten ignorance 

 and broadf^n and deepen knowledge has now become part of the 



