THE RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR. 119 



attendance at the annual meetings, an occasion which 

 might rightly be considered a purely })usiness aflair but 

 which has become, for a Society of this kind, unique in 

 its character through the efforts made to awaken an inter- 

 est in the Institute's allairs. That this interest should be 

 encouraged I have no doubt; but as to the way it should 

 be done, and the extent to which it should be carried, 

 there is considerable doubt. Personally, I should like to 

 see the field meetings revived, beginning in a modest, 

 informal sort of way to test the present feelings of the 

 members on that subject, before launching out into the 

 greater held which was formerly so well covered. I have 

 in mind a most interesting visit to Bradford Academy 

 some years ago, one of the last meetings, I think, ever 

 held. A delightful afternoon spent at Hamilton last 

 summer, although at a gathering of a different organiza- 

 tion, emphasizes the fact that it is not necessary to go far 

 from home for these meetings. Further than that, it is 

 not even necessary to go oft* of the Institute's own grounds 

 to seek enjoyment. What could be more enjoyable than 

 a garden party right here under our own vine? 



These are offered as suggestions, hoping that something 

 will be developed from them, and that the Institute will 

 once more be a recognized promoter of these meetings 

 throughout the county. 



Let us see to it that this interest is not allowed to 

 flag or grow cool from any want of eflbrt on our part. 

 Though sadly cripi)led by what seems to be more than our 

 share of the disabilities resulting from ill health, the work 

 of the Institute has not been and must not he suft'ered to 

 abate. Such troubles are but incidents in its career, — 

 the gaps close up and the forward movement never falters. 



Wjlltam O. ChAP3IAN, 



Treasurer. 



