(308 MORPHOLOGICAL METHOD AND RJXJENT PROGRESS IN ZOOLOGY. 



tlii.s pliico Avitliout ;i word of ,s3'mpathy and re.spect for the memory of 

 one of its son.s, an earnest devotee to our cause. William Thompson, 

 born in Belfast, ISO*!, became in due time known as "" the father of 

 Irish natural histor}'." By his writings on the Irish fauna, and his 

 numerous additions to its lists, he secured for himself a lasting- fame. 

 In his desire to benelit others, he earl}' associated himself with the 

 Avorkof the Natural History Society, which still flourishes in this cit}'. 

 He was president of this section in 184:3, and died in London in 1S52, 

 while in the service of our association, in his forty-seventh year, 

 beloved by all who knew him. His memor}' still survives; and if, as 

 a result of this meeting-, we can inspire in the members of the Natural 

 History and Philosophic Society of this city, as it is now termed, and 

 of its Naturalists' Field Club, an enthusiasm equal to his, we shall not 

 have assembled in vain. 



