130 THE president's addeess. 



of the larger and smaller class, and that by these means we may 

 eventually obtain what, I myself believe to be, one of the most 

 urgent requirements of this great commercial nation. 



And now I cannot help saying a few words on the condition 

 of our Natural History Museum, which possesses some rare and 

 interesting specimens, both native and foreign. In a hurried 

 visit I paid to it some short time since, I could not help observing 

 that very great damage had been done to some of the best 

 examples by the ravages of the moth, that most pernicious 

 of all enemies to such a collection. This is deeply to be regretted, 

 and can only be avoided in the future by constant and careful 

 supervision. The other day I had the pleasure of being sliown 

 over the South Kensington Collection by its very able and 

 energetic keeper, Dr. Giinther, everything looked in the most 

 perfect condition, and in the course of conversation he told me 

 that the moth can be easily fought against by careful watching 

 and a very liberal use of common camphor in air-tight cases. 



As usual, our Institution is indebted, I am told, for very 

 interesting papers from Mr. Whitley and the Rev. W. lago. 

 The continuation of Mr. Boase and Mr. Courtney's work, 

 " Collectanea Cornubiensia," as well as Mr. Tregellas' " Cornish 

 Worthies," the " Western Antiquary," will form very valuable 

 additions to our book shelves ; also, Mr. Collins' communication 

 on the Greology of the County cannot but lead to much profitable 

 consideration and disciission. 



And now I would wish to aUude, shortly, to the matter which 

 was brought before the public a few months ago by circular 

 issued by this Institution, I refer to the Proposed Extension nf 

 Buildings in connection with our Museum. It was stated in that 

 circular that a great opportunity now offered for purchasing some 

 freehold ground immediately adjoining our Museum, on which 

 could be erected very convenient schools for the study of science 

 and art, such as would be required by the Grovernment Department. 

 To use the words of the circular, " these premises will constitute 

 " an entirely distinct property, and will be secured for Educational 

 "purposes under the Trusts required by the Department of 

 " Science and Art, from which substantial aid may be expected 

 ' ' towards the purchase of the site and the cost of building in 

 "the first place, and subsequently to the maintenance of the 



