February, '22] entomologists' dinner 43 



ToASTMASTER W. E. Britton: This closes the program for the 

 evening, and I wish co thank you for hearing with me so patiently. 

 We will now turn the meeting over to the President, who has an an- 

 noimcement to make. (Applause) 



President George A. Dean: As I have sat here this evening and 

 listened to the admirable and charming addresses of the pioneers or 

 charter members of this Association, an Association which has done 

 so much to promote a well-balanced growth and development of the 

 science of economic entomology, I have been deeply impressed by the 

 splendid spirit of sacrifice which has dominated their lives and led 

 them to devote their lives to the accomplishment of so much construc- 

 tive work. 



As has been stated this evening, a few energetic workers met in this 

 city of Toronto, thirty-two years ago last August, and organized the 

 American Association of Economic Entomologists. The wonderful 

 success of the organization and its long record of usefulness has certain- 

 ly justified the venture which was launched by these men who had that 

 rare faculty of seeing the possibilities and opportunities of the future. 



During its rapid and healthy growth from not more then a dozen 

 members to a membership at the present of nearly 700, the iVssocia- 

 tion has had 31 presidents, two of whom, Dr. Riley and Dr. Forbes, 

 have served two terms. Of the 31 presidents, 8 are gone, but the 

 memories and the classical contributions to science by such men as 

 Riley, Fletcher, Lintner, Webster, Slingerland, Smith, Femald and 

 Hewitt will remain as long as the science of entomology endures. 



Of the 23 past presidents who are living, more than half of them are 

 present this evening. 



Two years ago when the Committee on Resolutions, consisting of 

 Messrs. Sanders, Ruggles, and myself, recommended to the Associa- 

 tion the presentation to the past presidents of an engraved diploma, 

 little did we realize what a fitting occasion would occur as this, the 

 thirty-second anniversary, in the city of Toronto, where this Association 

 was not only organized but also at which place the first annual meeting 

 was held. 



As President of the American Association of Economic Entomolo- 

 gists, it is my piivilege and indeed a great pleasure to present to each 

 of you in order of your term of presidency these diplomas. The di- 

 plomas are presented by the Association in appreciation of the honor 

 each of you have so well earned by your fine spirit of sacrifice and your 

 splendid endeavor to the development of the science of economic ento- 

 mology. 



