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the only obligation laid upon those invited being that to whom much 

 is given of him much will be required, and that the least an observer 

 can do is to make known his discoveries to others. At this point a 

 Society like this comes to his assistance with its publications, its 

 meetings, and its library, and thus the young student can learn what 

 new insight into Nature has been vouchsafed to him, and find an 

 opportunity of telling it to his fellow men. 



In such a spirit should I like to see Entomology pursued and this 

 Society supported. Now observers, for the most part, observe with 

 too little continuity of purpose ; even those who have microscopes 

 work to no definite end, the result of their labours being only iso- 

 lated facts, from which, however beautiful and wonderful in them- 

 selves, no general principles are deduced. On the Continent there is 

 a better state of things. Each of the Entomological Societies of 

 France, Stettin and Berlin, publishes yearly double the quantity of 

 matter that this Society does, and far exceeds ours in the number of 

 its members. If English entomologists, sinking all personal feelings, 

 would all associate within, the pale of this Society, they could, not- 

 withstanding their many disadvantages, accomplish work that would 

 redound to the credit of Entomology in a far greater degree than their 

 antagonistic attitudes, individual efforts, or positive indifference, have 

 hitherto permitted. Whether this " consummation devoutly to be 

 wished" will ever arrive, it would be hazardous to predict; one thing 

 is painfully evident that hitherto English entomologists have not by 

 general co-operation done for their Science all they could. I hope 

 yet to see that the English entomologists who have not hitherto 

 joined us may be convinced that by enrolling themselves as Members, 

 the Society would have enlarged means of advancing the interests of 

 the Science of which they are adherents. 



And, now, gentlemen, it only remains for me to say that I trust 

 this Society has not deteriorated in position or usefulness during the 

 period I have occupied the Chair, and that I shall ever preserve a 

 grateful recollection of the kindness and support you have accorded 

 to me as your President. 



H 



