THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 



■ INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 



^EAD BEFORE THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 

 BY PRESIDENT A. T. NEILL. 



It had been my intention to take up the subject of Museums in 

 my opening remarks, but that subject lias been very ably dealt with 

 by the past President, Mr. A. Alexander, who read a very interesting 

 paper on " Local Museums " during the last term. This paper you will 

 find in the printed proceedings of the Hamilton Association for last 

 session. I therefore concluded to supplement my previous remarks 

 made in the inaugural address last year, upon the pleasure and 

 benefits derivable from the study of Natural History Science. 



Owing to the very interesting programme which has been pre 

 pared for your entertainment, I have been limited in time, so that 

 my remarks will be general in reference to the above named subject, 

 though specific in regard to the effect upon the mind when pursued 

 not merely as a recreation, but studied with the view of deriving a 

 permanent benefit, and should these few remarks awaken in any of 

 my hearers a desire to take up the study of Natural History, I would 

 suggest that such ones should become members of the Association 

 and connect themselves with the section which best suits their in- 

 clination and taste. Active participation in the work is the only way 

 to succeed in the study of Natural Science, and under the guidance 

 of a member of experience, you will be conducted to the various 

 fields where specimens can be obtained. Much valuable time will 

 thereby be saved to be spent in the study of these specimens. 

 Should any ditificulty arise as to the identification of the species, the 

 specimens in the Museum are always available for comparative study, 

 and will no doubt greatly assist the earnest student. 



I shall now proceed with the remarks upon the subject which I 

 have intimated. 



To those whose minds are imbued with the love of Nature as 

 she presents herself in the ever varying attitudes of organized exist- 

 ence, and attires herself in robes of richest green, so welcome and so 



