The Scottish Naturalist. 195 



curious and interesting objects had been brought together by the 

 exertions of members of the Kirkcaldy Society, and the arrange- 

 ments were so diversified as to prevent the pleasure of the evening 

 from ever flagging. 

 Concluding Meeting. 



A meeting of the Union was held in the Town Hall, Kirkcaldy, 

 on Saturday, 5th September, 1885, at 20 o'clock (8 p.m.) — Pro- 

 fessor James Geikie in the chair. 



Reports of the Geological and Botanical Excursions to Burnt- 

 island were given by Professor Geikie and Mr. W. S. Blackstock. 

 Mr. J. T. Cunningham, Mr. John Rattray, and Mr. H. J. Gifford 

 gave the report of the Dredging Expedition on the Forth. 



On the motion of the Chairman, a vote of thanks was accorded 

 to the Kirkcaldy Naturalists' Society for the arrangements made 

 for the reception of the Union. 



The Chairman having intimated that the next Annual Meeting 

 of the Union would be held in Aberdeen, the meeting was brought 

 to a close by a hearty vote of thanks to the President. 



PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO THE EAST OF SOOT- 

 LAND UNION OF NATURALISTS' SOCIETIES. 



By Professor JAMES GEIKIE, F.R.S., F.G.S., &c. 

 Read on 4th September, 1885. 



I HAVE to congratulate you upon the great success which has 

 attended the formation of this Union. It is a happy idea, 

 happily carried out, and one which is sure to have the happiest 

 results. If the lines laid down by Dr. Buchanan White in his 

 inaugural address of last year be only faithfully followed, there 

 can be no doubt that we shall in a few years know much more 

 than we do at present of the botany, zoology, and geology of the 

 east of Scotland. The scheme of work proposed by Dr. White is 

 comprehensive and complete, and I earnestly hope that the 

 thoughtful enthusiasm of my predecessor will stir up each Society 

 in the Union to do its utmost towards the accomplishment of his 

 ambitious design. Of this I am quite sure, that the work is well 

 within the ability of the Union. Its elaboration will doubtless 



