48 THE VICTOKIAN NATURALIST. 



small a compartment of knowledge you occupy. But investigate 

 it thoroughly. 



" Let me point out a few of the departments in which we are 

 still very ignorant, and where work is wanted. Above all things 

 our land and freshwater organisms need careful study. The 

 march of settlement and the spread of introduced forms are fast 

 dispossessing the original dwellers, and this work must be done 

 soon or much will be lost. I am not asking anyone who is 

 really working at any marine group to leave it and turn his 

 attention elsewhere. What we want is some of those who are 

 merely taking a general interest in science — in plain words, who 

 are doing nothing — to rouse themselves up and work. 



" What do we know of our freshwater algse, our liver-worts 

 and mosses ? When will any one seriously tackle the protozoa 

 of our ponds? Hitherto we have had a few specimens named 

 at random. Others besides myself have tried in vain to get 

 someone to take up this branch. What offers are there ? Why 

 will no one tell "us of what freshwater sponges we have ? Is 

 there anyone who will work out our freshwater polyzoa ? Only 

 the other day a naturalist in another State asked me, ' Is there 

 no one who will study your land and freshwater mollusca ? ' and 

 I pass the question on to you. There are other groups, but I 

 pass them by, for here is enough and more than enough to 

 occupy our energies for a long while to come. 



" In beginning the study of any of these groups difficulties will 

 be met with, but there are many of our members who will only 

 be too glad to start you on your way, and to show you how to 

 find and use your literature. Our libraries are fairly well 

 stocked, and if there are any books not in them which are 

 necessary for your study the proper authorities have, as a rule, 

 only to be approached for your wants to be met. Have no 

 scruple in asking for directions ; those who can help you 

 will be only too glad to do so if they feel that you really mean 

 business. 



"In conclusion, let me express the hope that my remarks to- 

 night will bear fruit, that you will apply my suggestioris to your- 

 selves and not to your neighbours, that every year will see the 

 fields over which our energies range enlarge, while with it our in- 

 fluence shall increase. We can look back on twenty-one years of 

 successful work. May our future be as bright." 



Mr. F. G. A. Barnard moved a vote of thanks to the president 

 for his excellent address, and trusted that members would bear 

 in mind the president's remarks, especially as regards their 

 exhibits. 



Mr. F. Wisewould seconded the resolution, which was carried 



unanimously. 



The president briefly replied. 



