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trustworthy materials for his structure. Unless this be done not only 

 with regularity, but in a pains-taking, candid and patient spirit, the 

 custom were more honoured in the breach than in the observance. 

 Much has been said of the advantage of giving these Addresses a 

 more catholic character, of embodying in each Address the entomo- 

 logical history of the year. Dr. Schaum attempted this at Stettin, 

 and produced excellent annuals for several successive years ; but he 

 has abandoned these, finding the demand on his time greater than he 

 could afford. One great objection to this is its cost; a second, the 

 utter impracticability, as found by Dr. Schaum, of publishing it with 

 punctuality : the scientific publications of other countries reach us 

 only at irregular intervals, and it requires the intervention of an entire 

 year before a complete summary of the preceding year can by any 

 possibility be prepared ; but were every country to perform this task 

 for itself, we should thus acquire the materials for a general summary 

 which might be also annual, but always in arrear. Contenting our- 

 selves with the humbler, easier and more restricted task, let us glance, 

 first, at the present state of our Society ; secondly, at our public 

 proceedings ; lastly, at British publications on Entomology, dis- 

 carding all distinction between the authors as regards their connexion 

 with our own or other Societies. 



Election and Loss of Members. 



During the year which terminates this day we have elected twelve 

 members, and have lost only three, thus giving us a clear numerical 

 gain of nine members. The members we have lost are — the veteran 

 apiarian. Dr. Bevan, by resignation, his failing sight having compelled 

 him to give up Entomology as a study ; the Rev. Mr. Jarman, by 

 death ; and the Rev. Mr. Simkiss, as a defaulter, in whose defence it 

 should, however, be stated that we do not know his residence, or 

 whether he has received our applications for payment of subscription. 

 We have two new subscribers, against four whom we have lost by 

 resignation. The gross gain in numbers is fourteen, and the gross 

 loss seven, leaving a clear balance in our favour of seven. This 

 statement must be received as satisfactory, evincing as it does a con- 

 tinuance of that steady progress which has marked the later years of 

 our existence ; and it must be also a cause for congratulation that 

 among the accessions of the year we find the name of Mr. Syme, one 

 of the most acute and learned Coleopterists that this country has 

 produced. Wc have to lament the death of a foreign member, the 



