14 president's address. 



During the past year there has been more than usual literary 

 activity in scientific circles in Sydne}'. ^ieveral members of the 

 Society, as is well known, have been engaged in the task of 

 bringing out books on special scientific subjects. The first work 

 to make its appearance is that of Mr. T>. G. Stead on " The 

 Fishes of Australia," and after a careful examination of the book 

 I can speak in the highest terms of its usefulness and value, and 

 I congratulate him on the success which has attended its publi- 

 cation. I understand that Mr. Stead has been commis.sioned to 

 l)ring our a report on the edible oysters of New South Wales, 

 whicli will deal witli the economic as well as the scientific aspect 

 of the subject. Other members who have works in the press ai-e 

 Messrs. Lucas, Froggatt, Rainbow and Waterhouse, and as each 

 is dealing with a subject in which he has special experience, we 

 may look forward to some very valuable additions to Australian 

 scientific literature. Among oflicial publications issued duiing 

 the year, were the continuation of Mr. Maiden's " Forest Flora," 

 and Mr, North's "Catalogue of Eggs and Nests of Birds breeding 

 in Australia and Tasmania." 



The recognition of the value to the community of scientific 

 guidance has, in many instances, in the past been so scanty that 

 it is a pleasure to note a step in tlie right direction lately taken 

 by the Government, in the appointment of committees of advice 

 to assist the Public Service Board in res[)ect to scientific and 

 professional appointments in the Public Service, and in connection 

 with the State Museums to discuss all matters affecting the scope 

 and control of these institutions. Considering the objects in 

 view, a wise selection has been made of the members constituting 

 the committees, and there can be no doubt that their influence 

 will be most beneficial. 



It is with pleasure and satisfaction that, in the name of the 

 Society, I take the first opportunit}' of ofiicially welcoming back 

 Professor David on his return from attending the great Geological 

 Congress at Mexico and the meeting of the British Association 

 in England, at both of which functions he very worthily upheld 

 the scientific reputation of Australia. 



