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conformity with the practice of the Society, I proposed to lay before 

 you, of the labours and achievements of last year. It therefore only 

 remains for me to resign the chair. When I consented to resume 

 the office of President, many of you are aware that a consciousness of 

 the precarious state of my health made me diffident of my powers to 

 discharge that office with becoming energy and effect. The generous 

 support which I have received from the Council and the Fellows at 

 large, has, I am willing to believe, in some degree concealed from your 

 observation several deficiencies, of which 1 myself have been fullv 

 aware, and the Society has continued to flourish. The only merit I 

 claim is, that of having, upon all occasions endeavoured to promote 

 your interests; but a brighter prospect now opens upon you, and vou 

 will find an ample guarantee for more brilliant anticipations of success 

 in the youth, the spirit, the abilities and the character of my suc- 

 cessor. 



