PROCEEDTNCiS OF SOCIETIES. 185 



[See the ' M. M. J.' for August, 1872, which contains a series of 

 plates illustrative of Mr. Maplestone's important inquiry.] I believe I 

 have nearly, if not quite, exhausted the list of those who have 

 published the results of microscopical researches made in this country. 

 Purely private labours do not come within the scope of my address 

 this evening, and therefore my own microscopical work, with that of 

 Mr. Ellery, the Government astronomer, and some others similarly 

 situated to him and myself, must remain for the present in the back- 

 ground. 



Now, while this brief summary gives, I think, ample proof that 

 we have skilled workers amongst us, does it not, gentlemen, most 

 strikingly show how much has yet to be done in Victoria, which, in 

 common with all Australia, I have ventured to designate, for our 

 purposes as a Microscopical Society, a true terra incognita ? Taking 

 this for granted, it becomes a question for your commHtee to devise 

 the simplest practical means for lifting the veil of oiir ignorance. 

 Steady methodical action is necessary. "What direction, then, shall 

 it take ? Permit me to suggest — First, that the committee, as skilled 

 microscopists, should agree upon each individual member taking up 

 definite lines of microscopic inquiry, such lines being more especially 

 chosen which have a practical interest for Australians ; secondly, that 

 it be understood the worker in each line shall receive the hearty 

 co-operation of all the others, as opportunity offers at periodical 

 meetings ; and, thirdly, that such workers shall aid and utilize the 

 labours of all willing students and amateurs throughout the colony. 

 It is evident, gentlemen, that by marking out separate lines of inquiry 

 an economical division of labour will be ensured, and every goal more 

 readily reached ; while mutual co-operation, by way of frank sugges- 

 tion, manipulative help, and friendly aid in the shape of exchange 

 and gift of specimens, will multiply rather than lessen the laurels 

 to be gained by each worker in his own walk. And now, if the 

 Society were to consist solely of trained microscopists, we might 

 content ourselves here by the expression of our determination to 

 commence a new career to-night, and start at once, like brothers, 

 hand in hand. But there is a daily increasing class of well-educated 

 persons, as well as students and amateurs, which it is desirable to 

 include within our circle of action — a class that I verily believe can 

 be made, with some degree of painstaking, a most effective means of 

 enlarging the sphere of physical science in this country. The country 

 wants observers. In every locality there are novel things to be 

 foimd, and those only who are on the spot can find them. In order, 

 then, to enlist an intelligent corps of such observers, I beg to suggest 

 that — 1st. Our committee draw Tip a series of tables of objects to 

 be looked for, and things to be done, in order that a calendar of 

 nature may be framed, in relation to microscopical investigation 

 throughout Victoria, for every month in the year. Such tables would 

 include directions relating to infusorial, cryptogamic, and insect life, 

 as located in our gardens, and on the wayside, in our lakes and rivers, 

 in the wild bush, and on the sea-shore. 2nd. I would suggest that 

 agricultural and horticultural societies, and other local bodies, also 



