122 ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT, NOVEMBER 7, 1873. 



and such as have increased hut little should he selected as the first 

 disposahle. 



I believe it is common to find men engaged in forestry more 

 enthusiastically attached to their profession than in any other 

 calling ; they are always surrounded by nature, which ever presents 

 some new aspect to interest and delight those who study her. 

 And here I would suggest that the long evenings of the coming 

 winter would be well spent in acquiring some knowledge of the 

 " scientia amabilis" illustrations of which surround us here. By a 

 knowledge of the structure and properties of the plants you see 

 daily in the exercise of your calling, the pleasure enjoyed in your 

 work would be vastly enhanced. The study of the structure of our 

 common woods with the help of an ordinary pocket lens cannot 

 fail to be both interesting and useful. 



You must not lose the opportunity to-day of visiting the 

 Museum of Economic Botany, where you will see some objects 

 familiar to you, and many from distant countries fitted to attract 

 your wonder and admiration. The Pinetum formed under the 

 superintendence of Mr M'Nab contains the finest collection of 

 Coniferae I have ever seen, and they are arranged so skilfully that a 

 carefid inspection cannot fail to prove instructive to such as have 

 already some knowledge of the habits and requirements of this 

 family. 



In conclusion, I regret to say that the Society has to lament 

 the loss during the year of several distinguished members. 

 Amongst others, Professor Davidson, Veterinary College; Mr 

 Eobert M. Stark, nurseryman, formerly our Secretary, the author of 

 a popular " History of British Mosses ;" Mr M. Buist, factor at 

 Tyninghame ; and Dr J. L. Stewart, an Indian botanist, who, while 

 Conservator of Forests in the Punjab, submitted valuable reports 

 on forest questions in that province. Two years ago Dr Stewart 

 offered a prize for an essay, to be sent to this Society, on the present 

 state of the cultivation of Cedrus Deodara in Great Britain and 

 Ireland, which I regret to say has not yet been competed for. 

 Although Dr Stewart has passed away, the prize is still offered, and 

 it is hoped will soon be won. 



