Ixxv 



but through theu" endeavours, persisted in with prodigious 

 industry and keenness, to discover characters which may enable 

 them to classify satisfactorily the objects of theii- study. It has 

 fortunately happened that the instinctive perception of truth 

 (less clear and strong in some than in others) has been such 

 that no classification has satisfied them, until it has become a 

 natural one : thus without knowing it, or intending it, their 

 labours have gradually tended to the abandonment of artificial 

 systems and the discovery of arrangements which express the 

 true genetic relations of forms. 



This end, however, — a natm^al classification,- — has only been 

 worked out in a general way, seldom in the minor groups or 

 families, or even in the orders, and to attain this is the task 

 which it is incumbent on the systematic Entomologist to 

 accomplish. 



It was my intention to have continued this subject a little 

 further, and to have said a few words on the difference between 

 the systematic and physiological value of characters ; also on the 

 error which systematic Entomologists commit m midervaluing 

 and putting out of sight those characters which, although 

 indicative of relationship, fail to satisfy their need of means to 

 define theii" groups absolutely ; as modern Coleopterists have 

 done, for mstance, with regard to the tarsal system. I had also 

 intended to point out certain groups of insects in which a 

 satisfactory natural arrangement has been nearly attained, and 

 to have cited an instance in which it could be shown that the 

 work had been done solely by systematists. But time has failed 

 me, and I am compelled to bring this somew^hat discursive 

 Address to a close. 



It remains only to thank you for the indulgent consideration 

 you have shown to my shortcomings, and the uniform loyalty 

 you have displayed during the period of my occupation of the 

 Presidential chair ; and to congratulate you on the choice of a 

 successor under whose auspices the Society will continue with 

 fresh vigour its career of solid usefulness. 



