226 PROCEEDINGS OF THE MiXACOLOGICAX SOCIETY. 



fear for the future, ' practical wisdom ' and the simple addition table 

 notwithstanding. But as the Zoologist's is of all branches of science 

 the most humanizing, let hitn make the best of access to his fellow- 

 Morkers. 



I now leave you in the hands of one more competent than myself 

 to direct your path. I am what is known as a ' vertebrate man ' ; 

 and, in retiring, I must thank you for the privilege of having been 

 compelled to devote as much of my time and energy as could be 

 spared to fields somewhat off my beaten track — a discipline which 

 1 can confidently recommend to you all. Under the circumstances in 

 ■which I have been placed, I have done my best to serve you rather 

 as a teacher, upon whom it is incumbent that he should keep 

 a watchful eye on the whole field in his department of science. 

 Let me assure you of my fullest sympathy in the future ; and 

 recommend to your earnest consideration, as Malacologists, an 

 inspiration we owe to the Pearly Nautilus — 



" Euild thee more stately mansions, my soul, 



As the swift seasons roll ! 



Leave thy low-vaulted past ! 

 Let each new temple, nobler than the last, 

 Shut thee from heaven with a dome mure vast. 



Till thou at length art free, 

 Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea ! " 



