16 Annual Address, [Jan. & Feb. 



might have refrained from preparing one on this occasion. I have 

 been loath, however, to meet you this evening without supplementing 

 with some remarks the Annual Report which lies before you, and would 

 ask you to accept these remarks indulgently, as the fullest contribu- 

 tion which official duties have permitted me to make to the proceed- 

 ings to-night. On reference to some of the Presidential Addresses of 

 the past, I am regretfully conscious of the unfavourable comparison which 

 mine may evoke, but it would have been beyond the power of myself, 

 and of those to whom I could look for assistance, to undertake in the 

 present season a full review of all that has been done not only in India, 

 but elsewhere also, and not only by this Society, but also by other 

 Societies, by Savants and by Departments of the Government, in the 

 branches of literature and science with which, by its aims and constitu- 

 tion, our Society is concerned. Such a task must be postponed to a 

 later occasion. 



I would, in the first place, speak to you on what I would term 

 homely matters, relating to our building, its internal arrangements, and 

 the improvements which are desirable. The Annual Report alludes to 

 the proposal which has been under consideration for the disposal of our 

 premises. It was hoped by the members with whom the proposal 

 originated that a sufficient sum would be obtained for the acquisition 

 of a site and the erection of a new building, with residential quarters for 

 the Secretary, and that there might even be an adequate balance to 

 provide for a paid Secretaryship. These anticipations have, however, 

 proved too sanguine. No offer has, in fact, been made for the purchase 

 of the premises, and it seems clear that they could not be sold at a 

 price which would justify our parting with them for accommodation 

 elsewhere. The proposal must, therefore, be abandoned. Nor is this, 

 in my opinion, much to be regretted. Our building is old, but it provides 

 us with this spacious hall for our meetings and it admits of improvement. 

 That which has specially suggested itself to me is the raising of the floor 

 of the grouud rooms and passage, which now show signs of constant damp- 

 ness and cannot, for that reason, be fully used. The matter is under 

 enquiry, and I trust that professional opinion will be in favour of the work, 

 and that it may be cai'ried out at moderate cost. An improvement of the 

 drainage outside may simultaneously be effected. The arrangements 

 for the lighting of our rooms and for punkahs should also be brought up- 

 to-date, by the introduction of electric lights and fans, and provision 

 for this change has been made in the Budget for the ensuing year. 

 The gas has now to be supplemented by lamps, which are an inconven- 

 ience, and the antiquated hanging punkahs should give place to the 

 more convenient electric fans now in general use. Our Library 



