13 



I found myself in the chair, in most lively circumstances, until 

 that most important and unanimous meeting of Council from 

 which we have just separated to-day, I look back over a long 

 space of time filled with good, useful work, and unclouded by one 

 single regret. We have been as a band of brothers, associated 

 in a cause of vital interest to Scotland, and if I leave you now 

 it is in sight of our objective. We have had to deal with 

 ignorance, prejudice and indifference, and that for the most 

 part in high places, where it is as yet by no means, even now, 

 extinct. But we are sure of our ground. We feel we have the 

 country behind us, and we know that when so much has been 

 done by the Government where it is least required, Scotland 

 cannot be long neglected. We have fought a good fight 

 together, and victory must soon be yours. I regret that 

 pressure on my time prevents me attending your meeting to- 

 morrow. I shall also regret to miss all the interesting events 

 of our " Diamond " celebration. I beg you to convey to the 

 President, and Council, and members, and accept for yourself 

 my heartfelt gratitude for continuous kindness. There is no 

 happier recollection that I shall carry with me than that of my 

 association with the foresters of Scotland. 

 Always yours truly, 



R. MuNRO Ferguson. 



It was remitted to the President and Secretary to frame a 

 suitable answer on behalf of the Society, and the following was 

 subsequently sent : — 



The Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society, while receiving 

 with the greatest regret the resignation of the Honorary 

 Secretary, wishes to offer most hearty congratulations to the 

 Right Hon. R. Munro Ferguson on his appointment by His 

 Majesty the King to the high office of Governor-General of 

 Australia. 



The Society welcomes this opportunity of recording its 

 appreciation of the great services which Mr Alunro Ferguson 

 has rendered, both to the Society and to forestry in Scotland 

 generally, not only in the discharge of his duties as Honorary 

 Secretary to the Society, but also by his example as a land- 

 owner in making his woods a model of silvicultural practice, 

 by his constant exertion in his place in Parliament, and by his 

 invaluable services as a member of Royal Commissions and 

 Committees. 



The Society offers to the new Governor-General of Australia 

 and to Lady Helen Munro Ferguson the warmest good wishes 

 for their voyage and their tenure of office, and for their safe 

 and happy return to Scotland. 



Arch. Stirling, President. 

 R. Galloway, Secretary. 



