(C2 xine) 
‘*Nor is it to be expected that men of science would them- 
selves furnish the required sum. It is to be hoped that they 
would contribute so far as each felt able. But the chief gifts 
are to be looked for from the public, from these who are not 
themselves engaged in scientific inquiry, and especially per- 
haps from those whose wealth has been the direct or indirect 
result of the scientific progress of the Victorian era. 
‘So many demands are at the present moment being made 
in so many ways upon the purse for the purpose of commemo- 
rating the present year, that it may be worth while to point 
out that, the object of the proposed Victoria Fund being a 
lasting one, it 1s not necessary that the whole Fund should be 
raised at once. The Fund once established might be increased 
by subsequent additions, and contributions might be spread 
over many years, or might not be called in until some future 
time, so that the burden in the present year might be 
lightened. 
‘It is proposed that the income of the Victoria Fund should 
be applied to the advancement of all branches of science in 
all parts of the British Empire. Should therefore the project 
of the Fund be approved, and the Fund established, its 
administration will necessitate an organization, the details of 
which will need most careful consideration in order that the 
Fund may be used in the best way in all future times; but 
such details may be left for the present. 
‘‘Meanwhile, the first step to be taken is to ascertain 
whether the proposal meets with such general acceptance 
among men of science as to justify the President and Council 
in proceeding further in the matter. 
‘*T have therefore been requested by my Council to ask you 
to be so good as to bring the subject before your Society at 
your earliest convenience, in order to ascertain whether the 
proposal is approved or not, and at the same time to give the 
Royal Society the benefit of the advice of your Scciety upon 
the whole matter.—1 am, faithfully yours, 
(Signed) ‘¢ LISTER, 
“* President of the Royal Society. 
‘< To the President of the 
Entomological Society.” 
PROC. ENT. SOC. LOND., 11., 1897. B 
