xvi President's Address 



be rendered practically fireproof in a very economical way 

 by treating it with a mixture of silicate and sulphate of soda 

 in solution. 



The Botanic Gardens, under the curatorship of Mr. 

 Guilfoyle, become more and more attractive every year, not 

 only as a pleasurable resort, but also as a field for botanical 

 study, where by careful and scientific arrangement the 

 botanical student is given access to the vegetation of almost 

 every part of the world, and in many instances under 

 circumstances like those which surround the plants in their 

 native habitat. 



In Ballarat and Sandhurst there have been established for 

 many years " Schools of Mines/' really technical colleges, 

 where, by lectures and regular training, students are 

 instructed in both scientific and technical subjects. Take, 

 for instance, the School of Mines at Sandhurst, which has 

 lately considerably extended its functions, and made most 

 substantial progress under the direction of its registrar, Mr. 

 Pitman. Mathematics, surveying, engineering, mechanics, 

 drawing, freehand drawing, chemistry, and laboratory 

 practice, are all well taught at this school, free lectures are 

 given in chemistry, students are drawn from all classes, and 

 as a rule take excellent positions at the examinations in 

 nearly all the subjects. The School of Mines, Ballarat, the 

 oldest institution of the kind in the colony, has fulfilled most 

 important functions in its district for many years past. It 

 embraces in its lecture courses and practical teaching, 

 practical and theoretical chemistry, geology, mineralogy, 

 metallurgy, mining and mining engineering, and has also a 

 school of telegraphy, and annual examinations are held in 

 all the subjects. The school generally is well attended and 

 popular, and is a most efficient institution. 



Our members will note with satisfaction that through the 

 munificent offer of the Hon. Francis Ormond, the liberal 

 contributions of the merchants and private individuals of 

 Melbourne, and in no less a degree to the most commendable 

 and earnest efforts of the working men themselves, the sum 



