xxvi President's Address for the year 1885. 



Victorian plants is making progress, but is found to be a 

 more laborious task than was at first anticipated. The 

 sixth part of Descriptive Notes on Papuan Plants has been 

 published, and great results are expected from the botanical 

 work of the two expeditions at present engaged in exploring 

 New Guinea. 



New species of Utricularia have been discovered in North 

 West Australia, and additions to the flora of Queensland 

 and New Caledonia have been duly recorded. 



Our Botanical Gardens, under the supervision of Mr. 

 W. R. Guilfoyle, are in a flourishing state ; the moist weather 

 and warmth have given rise to an unusual display of both 

 foliao-e and flowers. The limited extent of the conservatory 

 accommodation, hampers the cultivation of the many valuable 

 exotics. This circumstance is to be regretted, and it is to be 

 hoped that the comparatively small sum necessary for 

 extension may be speedily obtained. The classification and 

 nomenclature of plants is not neglected, and facilities are 

 afforded for students of botany, pharmacy, &c, to inspect 

 and form collections of their own. 



In concluding this address, permit me to urge upon our 

 members, and especially the younger ones, the importance 

 of regular attendance upon the meetings, and the duty of 

 taking part in the discussions, and contributing papers on 

 subjects of scientific interest. The field of research is 

 unlimited. Many important lines of investigation are as 

 yet almost untouched. There is work for all — work that 

 will extend the knowledge and promote the happiness of 

 the human race. As the older members are removed by 

 death, or laid aside by the infirmities of age, we ought to 

 have young scientists full of enthusiasm ready to take their 

 places, to bear the burden, and reap the reward. What can 

 be more replete with the highest enjoyment, upon what can 

 we look back with greater satisfaction, than a life spent in 

 the search after truth, in combating error, and aiding the 

 material and intellectual well-being of our fellow-men? 



