548 president's address. 



young association, of which Professor W. J. Stephens, M.A., is the 

 Vice-President, has already placed itself in communication with the 

 principal Geographical Societies in the old world, and has received 

 gratifying assurances of goodwill and offers of assistance. The 

 question of the exploration of New Guinea, which was proposed 

 as a special object for the operations of the Society, has been 

 placed in abeyance for the present. There can, however, be no 

 doubt that Geographical science will receive valuable acquisitions 

 from the establishment of such a centre of research in this 

 still but partially explored region. 



The Zoological Society of Sydney has already achieved very 

 considerable success. Their funds are rapidly augmenting, their 

 grounds and accommodation much increased, and the nucleus of a 

 very valuable and instructive collection of examples of all 

 branches of the animal kingdom has been already formed. Their 

 gardens have become a place of popular resort, and the vigour of 

 the administration promises a great future. 



The University of Sydney, which has from the first recognised 

 the importance of Scientific teaching, so far as Chemistry and 

 Physics are involved, and has also introduced the study of 

 Physical Geography and Geology, in accordance with the terms of 

 the late tt Captain Hovell's bequest, has also, two years ago, added 

 two new schools of Medicine and Science. It has been decided 

 that the first year of the undergraduates course shall be devoted 

 to Arts, whatever be the ultimate destination of his studies, so 

 that the special schools would not commence work before the 

 beginning of the second academical year. And though as yet 

 the numbers are inconsiderable, there is much ground for con- 

 gratulation as to the steps already secured, and for hope of 

 increased progress in the future. Chemistry and Physics are 

 included in the Arts course of the first year, but Biological 

 studies are deferred to the second. Mr. Macleay has, as usual, 

 offered liberal assistance to the study of Biological Science. He 

 offers each year two Exhibitions of <£60 each, tenable for three 

 years, to such aspirants to scientific distinction as shall pass the 

 matriculation examination and satisfy the following conditions : — 



