PHESIDENi S ADDRESS. 7 



the veteran Biologist. This letter is preserved in the archives of 

 the Society. 



The present year is alike the Centenary of Darwin's birth 

 (February, 1809) and the Jubilee of the publication of the "Origin 

 of Species" (November, 1859). If opportunity arises, the Society 

 will doubtless take steps to join in the celebrations. 



It is gratifying to learn that the University of Sydney is 

 establishing Chairs of Agriculture and Veterinary Science. For 

 the material development of the State it is eminently desirable 

 that all the main industries should be in close touch with the 

 exponents of pure science, the manufacturers of knowledge. It 

 is a truism that theory and practice react upon one another to 

 the gain of both, and both the State and the University will do 

 better work if the University realizes the practical needs of the 

 State, and the State becomes imbued with the broader outlook of 

 the University. 



It is also satisfactory to know that the State Government has 

 established a Bureau of Micro-Biology, which will be under the 

 direction of a distinguished former Member of the Society, Dr. 

 Tidswell, who will have working with him a scientific staff of four 

 investigators. We gladly welcome this addition to the fighting 

 forces of Science in the State. 



The Report of the Commissioners of Forestry has been received 

 by the Government, but up to the present no action has been 

 taken. It is earnestly to be hoped that the Government will 

 give practical and prompt effect to the recommendations of the 

 Commissioners, and that, before it is altogether too late, a wise 

 policy of protection and control of our invaluable and unique 

 forests will be adopted. The care and irapjovement of our 

 forests is probably the most urgent of the duties of our Govern- 

 ment, and should be placed well above and beyond all considera- 

 tions of party. As it is, the nation appears to be blind to the 

 wanton destruction of one of its most valuable and permanent 

 assets. 



I have to thank Mr. Maiden for the opportunity of showing 

 you an advance copy of his work, "Sir Joseph Banks: 'The 

 Father of Australia,' " and I have pleasure in commending it to 



