18 



We have also lost Mr. Priest, of York, and Mr. Harper, of 

 Kingsland, both ardent workers in the cause, and whose 

 names are familiar to the re iders of the Entomologist. 



Hymenopterists have lost a great friend (on the continent) 

 in Dr. Forster, who, after a life of honour and distinction, died 

 at the age of seventy- four. 



In proof that the study of Entomology is a healthy pursuit 

 and conducive to longevity, I may say that two of these 

 gentlemen had reached the ripe age of seventy-four ; one, 

 seventy-one ; one, seventy ; and the other fifty-nine, 



I am happy to say we have not this year been visited by 

 death in our own Society ; and I trust it may be many, 

 many years before our President has to announce to us a loss 

 to our ranks from this cause. 



Gentlemen, I must now, in conclusion, thank you for 

 the great honour you conferred upon me in electing me to 

 the Presidential chair last December ; and before vacating it 

 would wish to thank you heartily for overlooking my many 

 shortcomings, and for your kind support. I also wish to 

 congratulate you on your choice of President for the next 

 year. You have elected a gentleman who is well known in 

 the entomological world, not only as a most assiduous 

 collector, but one who has done a great work in his classifica- 

 tion of the British Lepidoptera and by other literary pro- 

 ductions. 



In vacating the chair to Mr. South I feel great pleasure, 

 because I am sure that whatever the Society has suffered in 

 the past year it is sure to more than regain in the future. 



