ANNUAL REPORT. 
In laying before you the Fifth Annual Report of “The Chester 
Society of Natural Science,” we have only to state that the 
Society seems now to have taken its permanent position, so that 
we must not look for fresh or startling events, but rather toa 
simple record of its internal resources, and to its power of keep- 
ing alive a spirit of research and study, and drawing into its 
ranks those who take an interest in the objects for which the 
Society was founded. We have at present on our books a total 
of 576 members. Since our last Annual Meeting we have added 
2 honorary members, 2 corresponding members, and 102 ordi- 
nary members. We have lost, by death and removal, 1 honorary 
and 41 ordinary members. 
We commenced the year without a President, and your Com- 
mittee, feeling deeply the importance of obtaining a worthy 
successor to their first President and Founder, CHARLES K1InGsLeEy, 
considered it better to remain for a time without a head, than do 
anything hastily. By the first General Meeting, however 
(Noy. 25, 1875), we were fortunate enough to have obtained a 
promise from Professor McKrnyy Hvauess that he would occupy 
the vacant chair. His position as Professor of Geology at 
Cambridge, his connection with this neighbourhood, and his 
known enthusiasm in the pursuit of science. all eminently fitted 
him for the post, so that his election was carried unanimously, 
giving the greatest satisfaction. On January doth, 1876, Professor 
McKenyy Hueuus gave his Inaugural Address, which will be 
found at the end of this Report. 
