341 



and elaborate as the advanced student may desire. It is, 

 moreover, a presising need, and by it alone can we arrive at a 

 natural classification of our mollusca. 



Then there are the beautiful polyzoa, the forami- 

 nifera, the starfish, the sea urchins, and the fish, ail 

 awaiting examination, classification, and description — worlds 

 to be conquered by any intelligent lady or gentleman with 

 the energy to enter on the campaign ; and the cryjjt of our 

 Museum and the results of our dredgings will provide ma- 

 terial for the leisure of a lifetime. 



Can we not persuade some such individual to overcome 

 the initial difiiculties, and begin a work which, the longer it 

 is pursued, will become less a task and more an absorbing 

 recreation. 



We may think we have not the leisure for such study and 

 work. But it is wonderful how much leisure we can find for 

 what we enjoy doing, and by using time and effort and means, 

 which we would otherwise waste, fill up our hours with what 

 will last, give ourselves an immensity of pleasure, and con- 

 tribute in our degree to the advancement of knowledge. Is 

 there anything more enjoyable than the discovery of a new 

 fact, a new object, a new truth, something tne world has 

 never seen or known before ? Tnis pleasure, in a new country 

 like ours, every one can secure who has intelligence, force of 

 will, and perseverance. 



In looking backward, there is ground for gratification. 

 Now for a glance forward. 



In tn© early part of the coming year we expect to be 

 accommodated in the new building now being erected by the 

 Government in Kintore Avenue. There we shall have ample 

 space for our meetings, and shall also have better arrange- 

 ments for our valuable library. Perhaps I mignt say "our in- 

 valuable library,'' for most of our books are the periodical 

 publications of learned societies in different parts of the 

 world, and could be secured or replaced with ditliculty. 



Three years ago it was becoming a burden to us, but the 

 prospect of our new quarters has raised the hope of not only 

 retaining our accumulation of scientific books, but of having 

 them in such condition as to be available to our workers in 

 every department of science. 



Their intrinsic value is one thing ; their practical value 

 is quite another. That depends on their contents ; this upon 

 their utility. In order to be useful they must be accessible 

 and convenient for reference. This they have not been for 

 many years, if they have ever been, because thej'^ have not 

 been bound and have not been kept in proper order or pro- 



