.1.V.1D7.1.V FoRI-sTRY ASSOCIATION. 



10 



mmittee representing your board waited upon His Excellency Earl Grey 

 recently to ask him to be kind enough to act as patron of the Canadian Forestry Asso- 

 ciation. His Excellency received the committee most graciously, and was pleased not 

 only to consent to give his patronage, but far exceeded their expectations by stating 

 that he would be pleased to do anything further in his power to assist the work of the 

 association, and suggested that, in the event of an evening meeting being held in 

 Ottawa during the present season he would be pleased to attend, and might arrange to 

 have it held at Government House. This kindly action of His Excellency, and the 

 evidences of sympathy with movements affecting the well-being of the Dominion, 

 should give him a high place in the respect and affection of Canadians, and especially 

 of the members of the Forestry Association. 



The thanks of the Forestry Association are due to the press for their interest in 

 its work and the notice given it in their columns from time 'to time, to the railway 

 companies who have again kindly granted single fare for the annual meeting, and to 

 kindred societies from whom assistance has been received in various ways. 



PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 



The PRESIDENT. Gentlemen, we have now finished the formal business of our 

 meeting, and the next subject on the programme is the president's address. Cir- 

 cumstances over which I had no control have made it impossible for me to prepare a 

 written address. As most of you are aware, I am a very busy man, and this must 

 be my excuse for not coming better prepared to address you. 



There are, however, some things in connection with forestry generally and the 

 particular work of the association to which we belong as to which I would like to say 

 a few words. 



Before entering upon the business which claims our attention, I desire to con- 

 gratulate myself particularly upon the fact that this meeting, over which I have the 

 honour to preside, is being held in the ancient capital of our country. There are 

 many reasons which make it pleasurable to hold the meeting in the old city of Quebec. 

 Here is the birthplace of nearly every development that has made this great Dominion 

 the important country it now is. Here is the nursery of Christian missionary work, 

 of exploration, of commercial enterprise, of parliamentary government, and of educa- 

 tion. Apropos of education, let me say how delighted we are to have with us this 

 morning so distinguished a churchman and scholar as Monsignor Laflamme, who 

 is here to support the cause and take part in our deliberations. His presence is a 

 compliment to us, and as president of this association I tender to him its thanks for 

 the honour of his presence. 



Here, too, in the old days was exhibited that martial spirit that has always dis- 

 tinguished the two races from which we are sprung, the Anglo-Saxon and the Gallic. 

 These races met in the shock of battle not very far from where we are assembled, of 

 which battle nothing now remains, thank God, except the glorious memories of the 

 bravery of our ancestors, and the examples of the great leaders, Montcalm and Wolfe, 

 who offered up their lives for the honour of their countries. After what I have said, 

 it is perhaps unnecessary to add that when we, the sons of Canada, come to this an- 

 cient city, we feel that our feet are upon hallowed ground. 



I must also say how greatly indebted we are to the Quebec Forestry Association 

 for all the kindness and courtesy it has displayed, and for making such excellent 

 arrangements for the holding of this meeting, and to the city council of Quebec I 



