2 PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 



promoted whenever you can have the services, as President, of 

 one who is deeply imbued with the love of Natural History, and 

 whose opportunities, as well as tastes, have enabled him to cul- 

 tivate a minute and accurate study of one or more departments 

 of Natural Science. It is only to the former of these qualifications 

 that I can lay any claim. The love and admiration of natural 

 scenery, and an intense pleasure in any opportunities of behold- 

 ing the wondrous revelations which are constantly presented by 

 natural phenomena, have added much to the enjoyment of a' life 

 which, for the cause already alluded to, has not been devoted to 

 any but occasional observations, except when combined, as they 

 have often been, with engineering or mining pursuits. The study 

 of any of the chief departments of Natural History in minute 

 detail, has not been compatible with the pursuits of an active 

 life of business ; and I feel, therefore, that in this respect I have 

 to claim your indulgence. It may not, however, be without en 

 couragement to others to observe, that the generous views of this 

 Society recognise the humble admirer and occasional observer as 

 well as the zealous follower and laborious student of Natural 

 History. 



The present occasion of our Annual Meeting naturally leads 

 to some retrospective views of the proceedings of the past year, 

 and to a consideration of the rise and progress of this Society, 

 which I had the pleasure of joining at its commencement, nine 

 years ago. In April, 1849, it numbered exactly one hundred 

 members. In the next year only ten members were added to the 

 list; but, in the following two years, viz., 1850 and 1851, the 

 accessions amounted to 99; and at the present time the number 

 of members is about 250. Of these the following have been 

 elected during the past year, viz., — 



At the Anniversary Meeting, March 15, 1854, Messrs Clifford, 

 Crighton, D. H. Goddard, Wm. Green, Cuthbert E. Ellison, and 

 Robert W. Bleasby. ^ 



At the DiLSTON Meeting, May 19, 1854, Messrs John Philipson, 

 George Bradley, William Anderson, Alexander Bertram, John 

 Clayton, John Walsh, E. S. Hills, R S. NcAvall, St. John Crooks, 

 and H. Penny. 



