COMMITTEE'S ADDRESS. 193 
lack of the gift of public speaking, which he had never possessed. 
Before he replied to the observations which Mr. Tristram had 
addressed to him, let him refer to the services of others whom 
they seemed almost to have forgotten. He particularly alluded 
to the services of his predecessor in the secretaryship, Mr. Daniel 
Oliver, now professor of botany at University College. That 
gentleman had taken the office of secretary when the affairs of 
the club were in a very different condition to that they were in 
now; and although he was not, perhaps, so often seen in the field, 
as he (Mr. Mennell) had been, yet, by his exertions and energy, the 
affairs of the club were put into good working order. Mr. Oliver, 
too, was what he regretted to say he himself was not—a really 
sound and thorough naturalist in his own department. The 
‘Transactions’ were enriched by his contributions, and since he 
left them, he had won honour both for himself and for them in his 
owndepartment. Mr. Tristram had also alluded to the presidents 
and vice-presidents, as if they were merely ornamental officers. 
Since the time he became secretary, however, he was sure he had 
not seen any presidents of that description. When he took the 
office of secretary, Mr. Kell was their president; and he was sure 
that they alldeeply regretted that very serious illness had prevented 
him from taking part in their proceedings for some time past; 
but he had neither spared pains nor trouble in furthering the inter- 
ests of the club; andit was chiefly through his exertions that its 
financial condition was brought to a state of order. And they 
all knew how much they were indebted to Mr. Tristram as pre- 
sident. He was always found, during his year of office, at the 
head of their Border forays and peaceful raids, cheering them by 
his example and precept. Their late president had also assisted 
him greatly by the warm interest which he took in the success 
of the society. He must not omit to mention that he had, dur- 
ing the past year, been assisted by an excellent and hard-working 
colleague (Mr. Perkins), to whom at least half the credit of con- 
ducting the business of the club during the time belonged. 
With regard to himself, he was sure that he could not find words 
to express his heartfelt gratitude to all present, and to those who 
had taken such interest in that matter. He would always keep 
