PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. Vil 
nature studies, such a catalogue would be suggestive and helpful in 
selecting those fields of work which have been most neglected in Nova 
Scotia. In the appendix to this catalogue there might be a list of the 
scientific books belonging to the City Public Library and to Dalhousie 
College, and also a yearly supplement of publications received by the 
Institute. 
The year 1864 is also marked by the decision to have a series 
of Field Meetings in the summer season. The first excursion was 
to St. Margaret’s Bay in June to investigate some Indian remains in 
that vicinity. These meetings were continued in 1865. They were very 
interesting and profitable. After visiting a locality and studying its 
natural history the members would assemble at some point for dinner, 
discussion, and the reading of papers relating to the day’s work. 
At a conversazione in the Horticultural Gardens on the 6th of 
July, there were about 200 persons present. The President delivered 
an address on the advantages which the Institute, if properly supported 
and encouraged, might be expected to confer upon the country. He 
afterwards gave a very interesting description of the butterflies and 
moths of Nova Scotia. Dr. Gilpin described the manner of taking and 
smoking Digby Herring. Mr. Gossip read a paper on the geological 
formation of Halifax. Dr. Lawson discoursed on Botany, while all the 
company enjoyed a repast of cakes, strawberries and cream, lemonade 
and ices. Thus, in the early days of this Society was the love of science 
fostered. The resumption of some of these old practices, which have 
unfortunately fallen into abeyance, would not be a retrograde movement. 
If we would study Nature honestly and effectively we must meet her 
face to face. She does not woo by proxy, by text-books, illustrations 
or recitations. With this principle in view then let me draw up an 
imaginary programme for next summer's Field Meetings. 
Accompanied by friends we meet in the Public Gardens at 8.30 a. m. 
on the third Saturday in June, every one provided with substantial 
lunches. After an hour spent with Superintendent Power and Drs. 
MacKay and Lindsay investigating ferns and learning the scientific 
names of the trees and shrubs we take the street car to Point Pleasant. 
Here we examine the beautiful synclinal on the shore, and collect 
specimens of littoral fauna and flora. We then cross the Ferry to 
Pureell’s Cove and have lunch, followed by short addresses relating to 
the scientific peculiarities of our immediate environment. After some 
