354 The Scottish Naturalist. 



ought to receive, large support from the public ; though, in pro- 

 curing that support, much of the organisation and labour will, in 

 almost all cases, fall on members of the societies. 



I would still ask your indulgence for a little, while I endeavour 

 to suggest certain ways, in which the societies embraced in the 

 Union can aid each other, or can co-operate with mutual advan- 

 tage in this matter. Our museums would receive valuable assist- 

 ance were specialists in all parts of the district to recognise that 

 each museum in the Union has a claim on every member in it for 

 help, in the form of duplicate specimens, and of assistance in 

 identifying specimens where required. 



Another matter in which co-operation would help us much, is 

 in papers. Every secretary knows the difficulty of obtaining satis- 

 factory papers for the meetings of his society, and he has to apply 

 to the office-bearers of his society, as a last resource, far too often. 

 A remedy is easy. Why not let the papers read to one society be 

 read to others, in which they would be virtually new to the 

 members. 



This address has become so discursive that a recapitulation of 

 the points urged in it on the consideration of the Societies may 

 not be amiss. These are — (i) the importance of forming a com- 

 plete bibliography of all that relates to the east of Scotland in so 

 far as falls under the scope of the Union. (2) The preparation of 

 complete local lists. (3) The need of public museums in the centres 

 of population in the east of Scotland, what they should include, 

 what is the true relation to them of the societies, and how the 

 societies can assist each other in forming them. (4) The exchange 

 of papers between the societies. 



One word I wish to add in conclusion that bears directly upon 

 a hobby of my own. I shall be much indebted to all members of 

 the society who will kindly aid me with information regarding, or 

 specimens of diseases of plants in the district, more especially as 

 they affect farm and garden produce. The value of such informa- 

 tion is very great, and is constantly increasing. 



