69 



which are available for collectors, for the proper preserva- 

 tion of these fragile objects. 



The work of the medical men will be to compare the 

 occurrence of the different varieties of fevers with that of 

 the different mosquitoes, and to study the effect of various 

 drugs in combating the disease. 



Local authorities must help in getting rid of the breeding 

 grounds of these insect pests. 



It used to be said that Sierra Leone required three 

 governors, one was on the way home to be buried, one was 

 at his post, and the third was on his way out to take up the 

 duties of number two. This may be a slight exaggeration, 

 but it impresses very forcibly on the mind the unhealthy 

 condition of the West Coast of Africa. 



Malaria is one of the chief causes of its unhealthiness, nor 

 is West Africa alone in this respect ; it is common in most 

 parts of the tropics, as also in Italy and elsewhere. 



In time we may hope that this dreadful scourge will be 

 immensely lessened in every part of the world, and perhaps 

 in some districts entirely removed. 



Before vacating this chair I wish to thank you for the 

 honour you conferred on me when you elected me your 

 President. When I accepted the position, I determined 

 that whatever might be my shortcomings in other respects, 

 I would at least be regular in my attendance at the meet- 

 ings. Early in the year, however, I had to leave London 

 for some weeks on business ; and a little later I commenced 

 what proved to be a long and tedious illness. I mention 

 these personal details to show that it has not been lack of 

 interest that has kept me away from my duties here. To 

 the gentlemen who fulfilled those duties in my absence, I am 

 much indebted. 



I wish to take this opportunity also of expressing my 

 thanks to the officers, council, and members generally, for 

 the ever-ready help and unfailing courtesy I have received 

 from one and all. 



It is a subject for congratulation that all our officers, the 

 Secretaries, Treasurer, Librarian, and Curator, have accepted 

 office once more ; serving the Society is with all of them a 

 labour of love. 



In my successor, Mr. W. J. Lucas, you have chosen an 

 earnest and careful student of nature, a gentleman posses- 

 sing knowledge of many branches of natural history, one 

 also who has taken for a long time the greatest interest in 

 the work of our Society. 



