98 The rresidenfs Address. 



this growing energy may be directed into the proper 

 channels for strengthening our constitution. 



In the first place, we must never lose sight of the fact 

 that we profess to be a local Natural History Society, and 

 although we include the names of some few^ county natu- 

 ralists whose scientific status is w^ell established, we cannot 

 close our eyes to the fact that we are, generally speaking, 

 in a state of scientific poverty. I dwell upon this point 

 because in starting this Club our first object was to promote 

 local scientific work, and if we fail in doing this we must 

 necessarily undergo degeneration, and our case may be in 

 danger of becoming suggestive of the tragedy of Hamlet 

 with the Prince of Denmark left out. It is true that our 

 meetings have, on the whole, been well — I may say excel- 

 lently — supported, but it must not be forgotten that our 

 chief help has come from external sources. Our " Pro- 

 ceedings and Transactions," which are just published, will 

 show that many of our contributions, and our most inte- 

 resting discussions and exhibitions, have been left dependent 

 on a very limited number of our own members, or have 

 come from outsiders. We must express our thanks to 

 those who have so kindly extended their aid to us ; but we 

 must do more if we are to maintain our high position — we 

 must show our appreciation of their support by working 

 ourselves. It is my sincere desire to see the Club stand 

 as an independent edifice, based on a secure foundation, 

 and strengthened, if necessary, by occasional external 

 support, but not left as an altogether shaky structure 

 entirely dependent upon such props. 



Our rapid growth bears witness to the fact that our 

 objects and pursuits are of widespread interest, and it 

 must now be our earnest endeavour to convert this passive 

 interest into active co-operation. I again appeal to our 

 younger and rising members to take up the study of some 

 branch of natural science — to make observations bearing 

 on the natural history or geology of our district, and to 

 communicate the results of their labours to the Club. One 

 of the most serious obstacles in the way of natural science 

 studies among those who have had no special training in 



