PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS 
(AFTER RE-ELECTION). 
Ladies and Gentlenien, 
It is my duty to thank you and I do so very sincerely for 
the honour you have just done me in re-electing me as your 
President for another year. Twelve months ago when you 
did me this great honour, which was both unexpected and 
unsought, I felt conscious of my unfitness to follow in the 
footsteps of so many able men, and I doubt if my recent 
experience has in any way made me better qualified for this 
high position. Itis, however, gratifying to find that we have 
during the year more than held our own; and that the 
Society has, in several ways, made distinct progress. Our 
membership has increased; and the activities of the various 
sections during the Winter Session, and also at the Field 
Meetings and Summer Excursions have been very encouraging. 
There is also a renewed interest being taken in the Micro- 
scopical Section, which is an excellent sign, for after all it 
is here, perhaps, that the bedrock of the Society lies. The 
present occasion is, therefore, peculiarly suitable for honouring 
one with the award of the Kingsley Memorial Medal, who has 
for many years done so much valuable work in connection 
with this Section. To my mind no one more deserves this 
honour than does our co-worker, MR. MICHAEI, JOHNSON. 
Another gratifying feature of the Society’s work is the 
keen interest that is being taken in Natural Science by the 
Junior Members of the Society; and I believe this is a sure 
indication—I should almost say, a sure guarantee—for the 
continuance of the work that has been so well done during 
the past 40 years. To those who are so willingly helping 
these young enthusiasts in the Saturday afternoon Excur- 
sions, and in various other ways, our grateful thanks are due; 
and in the days and years that are to come, I feel sure, they 
will have their reward. Here we might well quote the words 
of the Poet who writes :— 
“* And Nature, the old nurse, took 
The Child upon her knee, 
Saying, ‘ Here is a story book 
Thy Father hath written for thee; 
Come wander with us,’ she said, 
‘Into the regions yet untrod, 
And read what is still unread, 
In the manuscripts of God.’ ”’ 
