66 TRANSACTIONS. 
Donations.—A fine specimen of the Peregrine Falcon, pre- 
sented by Mr W. J. Maxwell of Terregles Banks ; the Proceedings 
of the Glasgow Natural ‘History Society; the first volume of the 
Transactions of the Highland Society (1799), presented by Mr 
James Barbour; and a stake a/leged to be from a lake dwelling in 
the loch at Lochmaben, presented by Mr James Lennox. 
Mr J. G. H. Starke (advocate) having briefly referred to the 
loss which the Society had sustained in the death of Mr M-Dowall, 
proposed the following resolution, which was agreed to unani- 
mously :—“ That this Society records its deep regret at the sudden 
death of its most distinguished member, Mr William M‘Dowall, 
F.S.A., the historian of Dumfries, and desires that its sympathy 
with his domestic circle in its bereavement be communicated to 
his widow.” 
PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 
The President read a short inaugural address to the following 
effect :—Ladiesand Gentlemen,—The first duty incumbent upon me 
this evening is to thank you very heartily forthe honour you have done 
me inelectingmeto your presidential chair. When your wish that I 
should become the President of this Society was first intimated to 
me, I confess that, fora moment, I was somewhat doubtful whether 
I could conscientiously undertake the responsibilities pertaining to 
that office, but the invitation was conveyed to me in terms so 
cordial and so pressing that I felt myself bound in common 
courtesy to accept it, and this I did the more readily because it 
seemed to imply on your part a confidence in my ability to serve 
you, which was by me as unlooked-for as it is, I fear, unmerited. 
It will, however, be my earnest endeavour, so long as I occupy this 
chair, to do my little best to promote the welfare of our 
Society. 
I will now make a few remarks respecting the progress which 
has been already made by the Society towards the attainment of 
the ends for which it was originally instituted, as well as some of 
the means by which it may best achieve that which still remains 
to be accomplished in the future. These remarks must, however, 
be very brief, because I rejoice to see that we are to be favoured 
with two communications which will, I am sure, be more attractive 
to you than anything I have to say this evening. 
1 have not yet had an opportunity ot reading any of the 
Transactions of this Society except the last, which has recently 
