1866.] SMALLWOOD — PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 133 



Stimpson, Parkes, Couper and Ritchie ; two on Botany, one by 

 Mr. Watt, and another from Dr. Gibb ; and one on Geography, 

 from Br. Hunt. I would refer to the pages of the Canadian 

 Naturalist for more ample information on these points. 



The pursuit of science, in its legitimate sense, is to endeavour 

 to advance man's happiness, and to elevate and refine every human 

 sentiment. Associations of a like character to our own are 

 intended to diffuse intelligence and the light of truth to man, to 

 fit him for a higher state of existence. 



The study of nature has formed the object of the most elevated 

 and aspiring thoughts, — thoughts that have dwelt on the works 

 and wonders of creation. What is more beautiful or more elevat- 

 ing than those aspirations that direct us to contemplate the 

 wisdom and goodness of God ? and what can be more pleasing 

 than that kindred minds should associate in mutual harmony, and 

 contribute each his small portion (though small) to the grand 

 treasury of knowledge and of truth ? Nor is it possible to suppose 

 that the onward progress of true science will ever operate to the 

 disparagement of that devout homage we owe to Him in whose 

 hands are held our daily w T ants and future destiny ; but on the 

 contrary science, if directed in the proper paths, will aid in fitting 

 us, after a life devoted to its pleasures and its beauties, for the 

 enjoyment of that intellectual intercourse which has ever been 

 among the holiest and noblest aspirations of man. 



T have not entered much (nor did I intend) into the business 

 part of the Society's operations, properly so called, leaving it to 

 your Council, Scientific Curator and Treasurer to present their 

 reports, which, I have no doubt, will be very satisfactory. But I 

 must not forget to mention the eminent and efficient services of 

 Mr. Whiteaves. A look into our museum will, I am sure, convince 

 any one of the amount of labour he has bestowed ; and I feel sure 

 that your Council will render also a good account of his recent 

 visit to England. 



For my own part, I am sorry to say that a lack of time has 

 prevented me from filling the office of President so well as I could 

 have wished. In resigning the charge into your hands, I must 

 be allowed to express a fervent wish that increasing prosperity 

 may mark our way ; and to say that we may congratulate ourselves 

 on our increasing usefulness in spite of a Winter of more than 

 ordinary excitement, owing to a most wicked and unheard-of 

 threat of invasion of our country by strangers, many of our young 



