( Ixiii ) 



THE PEESIDEXT'S ADDRESS. 



Grntlemen, 



I announce that, in accordance with the terms of Chapter XIX. 

 of our amended Bve-Laws, the Officers and Coinicil for 1887 will 

 be as follows: — President: D. Sliarp. ^I.B.. F.Z.S. Treasurer: 

 E. Saunders, F.L.S. Secretaries : H. Goss, F.L.S., and 

 W. W. Fowler. M.A.. F.L.S. Librarian: F. Grut, F.L.S. 

 And as other Members of Council: K. M'Lachlan, F.R.S., 

 G. F. Mathew, F.L.S., G. T. Porritt, F.L.S., E. B. Poulton, 

 M.A., F.G.S., O. Salvin, M.A., F.R.S., H. T. Stainton, F.R.S., 

 S. Stevens, F.L.S.. and J. J. Weir, F.L.S. 



From many points of view the past year has been one of 

 unparalleled success with respect to our Society. No doubt the 

 acquisition of a Charter has influenced this to some extent. 

 There are always prudent men who hesitate to Join a Society held 

 together by no legal ties. 13 ut I venture to think there are also 

 other causes at work ; an increased interest in the Society 

 e.\hibited by its existing Fellows, and a spirit of emulation 

 amongst them as to introducing additions to our number : I trust 

 this spirit of emulation will continue and intensify. 



The Reports of the Council and Auditors you have just heard 

 read are very satisfactory. Notwithstanding the publication of a 

 respectable volume of ' Transactions ' for the year, which includes 

 certain important arrears left over from the preceding year on 

 account of want of funds, our Treasurer has a balance in hand, 

 and the sum of £54 10s. Dd. has been invested. And iliis without 

 having had to rely upon extraordinary donations in order to 

 equalise the balance-sheet. But the generous hand that has so 

 often helped us in years of adversity was not to be denied the 

 opportunity of so doing during one of comparative prosperity. It 

 is not for me to divulge the secrets of the Council : suffice it to 

 say the amount does not appear under the head of donations. 



