18 



We have also lost Mr. Prest, of York, and Mr. Harper, of 

 Kingsland, both ardent workers in the cause, and whose 

 names are familiar to the re iders_ of the Entomologist. 



Hymenopterists have lost a great friend (on the continent) 

 in Dr. Forster, who, after a life of honour and distinction, died 

 at the age of seventy-four. 



In proof that the study of Entomology is a healthy pursuit 

 and conducive to longevity, I may say that two of these 

 gentlemen had reached the ripe age of seventy-four; one, 

 seventy-one ; one, seventy ; and the other fifty-nine. 



I am happy to say we have not this year been visited by 

 death in our own Society ; and I trust it may be many, 

 many years before our President has to announce to us a loss 

 to our ranks from this cause. 



Gentlemen, I must now, in conclusion, thank you for 

 the great honour you conferred upon me in electing me to 

 the Presidential chair last December ; and before vacating it 

 would wish to thank you heartily for overlooking my many 

 shortcomings, and for your kind support. I also wish to 

 Congratulate you on your choice of President for the nex;t 

 year. You have elected a gentleman who is well known in 

 the entomological world, not only as a most assiduous 

 collector, but one who has done a great work in his classifica- 

 tion of the British Lepidoptera and by other literary pro- 

 ductions. 



In vacating the chair to Mr. South I feel great pleasure, 

 because I am sure that whatever the Society has suffered in 

 the past year it is sure to more than regain in the future. 



