( cxxxii ) 



without the stimulus and the continual aid of our vast stores 

 of literature and our easy intercourse with kindred minds. 

 We can do much to help such men, not only by means of our 

 publications but even more by establishing contact with them, 

 by showing them that their work is of value and interest to 

 the naturalists of a distant land. And although I trust and 

 am sure that such encouragement will be offered freely to 

 every naturalist who may approach us, whatever be his 

 nationality, yet the wide extent of the British Empire and 

 the roving spirit of her sons, ensure that it will be our own 

 people in many lands whom we shall chiefly benefit, who will 

 benefit us in turn. And thus we may hope to aid in no small 

 measure the forces that make for sympathy and friendship 

 and true union between men whose communication is thwarted 

 by both time and space. And this happy result will be 

 achieved by and will itself promote the advancement of that 

 branch of learning for which this great Society came into 

 being, grew into strength and beneficence, and awaits I doubt 

 not a yet more glorious future. 



