xl I'ROCEEDINGS. 



the meeting when it was read, many members of tlie Botanical Club 

 of Halifax, and wineii led to a discussion of much interest, that 

 showed that all had not been learned of the twigs, leaves, harks and 

 roots, wiiic-h in cases of emergency would be available to sustain 

 life. The facts brouglit out at the discussion, in addition to those 

 given by tlie author, suggest that much good would ensue at future 

 meetings were the custom established of getting members and their 

 guests to svibmit in writing, for ])uhlication with the primary paper, 

 renuirks tliereon. Not only would a writer he gratified by the 

 notice his article elicited, even when there was not entire agree- 

 ment, but the subsequent reader of the paper would have also a 

 knowledge of the measure of ciedence or endorsement given to the 

 statements nuide at the time of presentation. 



It was most unfortunate that the Kings County Branch of the 

 Institute, at Wolfville, was unable to hold meetings duiing the 

 year. This was due, however, to no lack of interest in the l)ranch, 

 which was organized in 1901. 



The finances of the Institute have received the careful attention 

 of the Treasurer, and his report will be sul)mitted: 



The Recording Secretary. I was on the point of writing, gave 

 me invaluable assistance in the work of calling the meetings, pre- 

 paring statements, keeping accounts and editing the transactions; 

 but I am sorry to say I cannot truthfully do this, for it w-as not 

 merely assistance that I got from him. The fact is, he was the 

 head and front of the Institute the past three years, and saw to 

 everything. We have taken so much as a matter of course the ser- 

 vices he has given, that I fear we have not fully appreciated the 

 sacrifices he has made, sacrifices which the Institute cannot expect 

 to continue forever, especially as he has duties in other directions 

 which are constantly growing. His is an interesting case of early 

 training to a sense of moral obligation, that I am selfishly thankful 

 extended to the end of my term of office, and I now woukl make all 

 due acknowledgments. 



Ni'ECULATiVE Thoughts. 



And now before giving place in this chair to a busy man of 

 practical ideas, let me give uttei-ance to a few vague speculations of 

 idle moments. 



