(e887) 
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. 
