386 Presidential Address. [Sess. 
intestine with leucocytes, embryo mouse, and a few botanical 
preparations ; while Dr Davies showed an interesting collec- 
tion of living specimens, mostly from the Upper Elf Loch, 
Braids. Mr J. Lindsay also exhibited a number of slides 
illustrative of the structure and life-history of sponges and 
sea-urchins. 
Among the Natural History exhibits of last session, one of 
a very interesting nature was then omitted to be mentioned— 
viz., a piece of luminous wood, covered by the mycelium of a 
fungus. This was shown by Mr James Adams, Dunfermline, 
and gave rise to some discussion amongst the members. 
ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT, 
ARCHIBALD HEWAT, F.F.A., FLA, 
TO THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY ON THE 
22ND OcTOBER 1902. 
WHEN, a year ago, you did me the honour of electing me 
President of our Society—after I had served for three years as 
a Member of Council and thereafter for three years as one of 
the Vice-Presidents—I accepted the position with much hesi- 
tation, for I can make no claim to be considered a scientific 
naturalist, however much I may admire and enjoy the marvel- 
lous works of Nature. In this I am like him who is “con- 
tented if he but enjoy the things that others understand.” 
Business has been too engrossing for me to have found that 
leisure I should have been so glad to have spent in nature- 
study—which introduces to the kingdom of the sublime. My 
election, however, having been alike unanimous and harmoni- 
ous, I felt sure that, in endeavouring to discharge the duties of 
the chair, I could rely upon the hearty support and assistance 
not only of the members of council but of the membership of 
the Society as well. In this I have been in no way disap- 
pointed ; and I desire to avail myself of this opportunity of 
thanking you for having overlooked my defects, and for having 
