Proceedings 79 



important end. We are therefore also glad to welcome 

 you as an important factor in developing a great in- 

 dustry and a great branch of scientific knowledge, which 

 is of the utmost importance to the human race. 



Because of the importance of the industry which you 

 represent, because of your long experience, and because 

 of the fact that you bring to us a rich discussion of 

 matters of vital importance to the human race and to 

 the progress of mankind, we are especially glad to wel- 

 come you to this Exposition. 



By Dr. Barton W. Evermann, 



Curator of the California Academy of Sciences, San 



Francisco, California. 



Mr. President and Members of the Association: I do 

 not know just what I should say on this occasion more 

 than that those of us who live in San Francisco and 

 California and on the western coast are very glad that 

 the Society is meeting in San Francisco this year. I 

 believe this is the first meeting that the Society ever has 

 held west of Denver, and it is particularly appropriate 

 and gratifying that the meeting this year should be held 

 in San Francisco at the time of this wonderful Exposi- 

 tion. I wish it were possible for all the eastern mem- 

 bers to have come to this meeting, not only because of 

 the interest which the meeting would have for them, 

 but for the opportunity of seeing California, the western 

 coast, and this marvellously beautiful Exposition. 



Those on this coast who are particularly interested 

 in matters of this kind are, of course, primarily the 

 State Fish and Game Commission and the various com- 

 mercial interests of the State, and doubtless they extend 

 to you a very hearty welcome. 



The California Academy of Science has in its organ- 

 ization a few members who are interested in such 

 matters also, and, of course, they are deeply glad that 

 you are here this year. 



I am sure that the meeting will prove valuable and 

 will grow in interest as the days go on. 



