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of disappointment, and more effectually bring the benefits of the 

 Union before the individual societies. 



But in another particular can valuable help be given. Each 

 Secretary, in sending up his annual report, might state as explicitly 

 as possible, how the society has been worked during the past 

 session ; stating both the excellencies and the failings, with 

 suggested remedies for the latter. By this means other societies, 

 and especially younger ones, could be guided as to the best means 

 of ensuring the success, not only of the local associations, but 

 also of the Union — for the success of the latter is dependent on 

 that of the former. Besides, there might with great advantage be 

 an interchange of views between the Committees of the various 

 societies, as to ways and means, etc., whilst the mere interchange 

 of programmes is an inexpensive but sure testimony of our unity. 

 Inter-association field-days would also greatly tend to strengthen 

 the bonds of union. 



A few words are still necessary with regard to our own Society 

 in particular. It has been said that we are declining in influence, 

 and that our lectures are not so well attended as they were in the 

 earlier sessions. This may be true, or it may not ; but we must 

 remember that success is not necessarily measured by numbers. 

 In the earlier part of our career, there was no kindred society; 

 now there are two or three other flourishing societies, all having 

 the same aim, and for this there is cause for much congratulation. 

 There is plenty of room for every agency that has for its object 

 the improvement of the mind — and all are well worthy of our 

 support. Hence we may reasonably claim that we are in every 

 respect in a prosperous condition, and we ought therefore to use 

 every legitimate means to keep it so. It will be readily allowed 

 that the programme for the tenth session — upon which we are now 

 entering — is an eminently satisfactory one, reflecting great credit 

 upon the labours of the Secretary. There is, however, a weak 

 point in it, and that is the small number of local names that 

 appear. For obvious reasons, it would be well to have at least 

 half the lectures by local men, if possible. 



But even a good programme is not sufficient to make a successful 

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