PRESIDENTS ADDRESS. XV. 



Tillyard is specially interested in the bionomics of the Odonata; 

 and his studies are, as far as possible, faunistic studies. The 

 larvae are aquatic, and a knowledge of life-histories may be 

 expected to throw more light on phylogenetic problems, than in 

 the case of most groups of insects. Mr. Tillyard will continue 

 his studies in the biology of Australian Odonata, particularly 

 the life-histories of the Zygoptera, and the breathing-organs of 

 the larvae. In addition, he hopes to prepare the ground for the 

 study of other aquatic neuropterous subdivisions, particularly 

 the Perlida and allied groups, on similar lines. 



On the morrow, then, we may look forward to the inauguration 

 of Sir William Macleay's completed scheme for the advancement 

 of post-graduate research in this State. The realisation of his 

 plans has come about somewhat later than he expected, because 

 of unforeseen obstacles; but these have now been surmounted. 

 'Jliis will mean the opening of another notable chapter in the 

 Society's history. In ten years' time, if all goes well, the Society 

 may look forward to opening still another chapter, by the cele- 

 bration, with appropriate ceremonies, of its Jubilee, an anniver- 

 sary of recognised importance in the history of Scientific Societies. 

 That occasion will provide an opportunity for stock-taking in all 

 branches of the Society's work, and for a review of its first half- 

 century of progress. Among other things, all being well, the 

 President may expect to be in a position to sa)^ that, by the 

 foresight and liberality of Sir William Macleay, the Society had 

 been able to expend a sum of about £35,000 in salaries to its 

 investigators, in publishing the results of their work, and in the 

 establishment and maintenance of a bacteriological laboratory, 

 spread over a period of about twenty-seven years. The resulting 

 volume of work may be expected to be the equivalent of, ap- 

 proximately, what eighty-three qualified investigators could 

 accomplish during one year. For this, there is not likely to be 

 any parallel in the Southern Hemisphere. 



His provision for the endowment of bacteriological research- 

 work, and of Fellowships, was Sir William Macleay's way of 

 setting the seal to his belief in the answer that could be given to 

 the questions, Does research pay; is it worth while making 



