THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 95 



I would also call attention to the life of the gentleman whose 

 notes have often been contributed to our meetings. A conversation 

 with him is a marvellous treat, and especially if in the open air. 

 There is not a plant that he does not know the botanical name of, 

 and not a bird whose note he does not recognize at once. 



In conclusion, I would say that to some of my hearers I may 

 seem to be rather too conservative and inclined to discredit modern 

 advances. Such a charge I would refute, for no one is more willing 

 to admit the value of new systems and methods, but I would like to 

 utter a note of warning as the spirit of competition is so great and 

 there is such a tendency to consider the latest invention and theory 

 the best, that it behooves us to be on our guard, and while we would 

 prove all things and by no means reject them because they are new, 

 yet let us give them a careful test and then only hold fast that which 

 is good. These ideas I am afraid are rather fragmentary and at the 

 best only suggestions, but if they in any way assist in our work as 

 educators I will feel highly rewarded. 



