SCIENCE AND THE EMPIRE 169 



both of which I have endeavoured to keep prominently 

 before the Society, thoughts which I trust will always 

 inspire our meetings. 



First, ever to remember the high significance of the 

 material we study ; to realize its priceless value for the 

 elucidation and the solution of problems the most intricate, 

 difficult and important ; to feel that this unrivalled 

 opportunity is a serious personal responsibility. 



Secondly, always to bear in mind that London is a 

 great deal more than the capital of England, and that 

 the Entomological Society of London can do much to 

 help the work of naturalists all over the world men in 

 some conditions better off than we are, in other condi- 

 tions less well provided ; with new and inspiring problems 

 at hand calling for study, but 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 

 know full well that such encouragement will be offered 

 freely to every naturalist who may approach us, what- 

 ever 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. 



