191 
problem, or difficulty in evolution, viz: the form of the red 
blood corpuscles in the Camel] and its allies, which it would be 
valuable to discuss; he had, he thought, unfortunately devoted 
the after part to an attack, in general terms, on the whole 
theory of evolution. The occasion was not suitable, nor indeed 
the time available, to answer at this meeting, so general an 
opposition ; but he could not allow it to pass without taking up 
the challenge, and making a brief protest. The present position 
of the working Naturalis§ was this ; he found that the evolution 
theory explained, in his daily studies, hundreds of difficulties 
for which there was no other explanation, it opened new fields 
for study and enquiry, and placed the whole range of Biological 
Science on a broad intelligible basis. The Biologist met with 
hundreds of difficulties, many of which might remain for ever 
unexplained, but he was entitled to make this assertion, that 
there was no important discovery in Biology or Paleontology 
of the past 20 years that had not brought additional confirm- 
ation to the soundness of the arguments on the main doctrine 
of evolution. All working Biologists were indebted to it daily, 
for help; and while deprecating attempts to make it explain 
more than actual experience would justify, he could scarcely 
allow so sweeping a condemnation of it to pass unnoticed. On 
the former part of Dr Drew’s paper he would be happy to 
assist at discussion, though he did not think the varying form 
of the blood corpuscles so inexplicable a difficulty as to effect 
one way or other the doctrine of evolution. 
After the elections to-day the Club will number ninety-five 
Members, and for the present it would appear desirable to leave 
some vacancies open. 
The finances are in a fairly satisfactory state, and the 
economy of expenditure suggested at the last Annual Meeting 
must be kept in view. 
In again thanking you for the loyal and generous support 
I have received, permit me to express a sanguine hope that the ' 
coming year may be alike successful in the good attendance at 
our Field Meetings, and in the character of the papers con- 
tributed at our Winter gatherings. 
