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JOHN GATCOMBE. Died April 28th, aged 68. He was 

 born at Knowle, Somerset, but the greater part of his life 

 was spent at Plymouth, where he paid considerable attention 

 to the habits of Birds, the seasonal changes of plumage in 

 sea-birds being his especial study. He contributed frequent 

 notes to the " Zoologist " and other publications, his accurate 

 knowledge of his subject rendering them of peculiar value. 



W. C. Unwin, of Lewes, died April 23rd, aged 76. During 

 his life he successfully studied many branches of Natural His- 

 tory ; he was a skilled microscopist and draughtsman. His chief 

 published work, " Illustrations and Dissections of the Genera 

 of British Mosses," was illustrated by his own drawings. 



And now, Gentlemen, having thus briefly reviewed the 

 events of the past year, I beg, in conclusion, to express to 

 you my high appreciation of the confidence that you reposed 

 in me in electing me your President for the second time. I 

 am aware that such a proceeding was at variance with the 

 usage of this Society, and I should have felt great reluctance 

 in continuing to hold office had I not believed that in doing 

 so I should have the hearty support and confidence of the 

 whole body of members ; a belief in which I have now no 

 reason to think that I was deceived. I beg to tender you my 

 sincere thanks for the courtesy that you have shown me on all 

 occasions, and to the Council, and especially to our Honorary 

 Secretary, I am indebted for much valuable assistance, at all 

 times freely accorded. 



It is with feelings of unmingled satisfaction that I vacate 

 the chair in favour of Mr. Billups, whom you have this evening 

 elected your President ; his many good qualities are too well 

 known to you to need any recapitulation at my hands, but of 

 the one great necessary for success we have already had 

 good evidence — that he has the true interests of the Society 

 at heart. Under such leadership, and with your general 

 goodwill and confidence extended to him, as it has been to 

 me, we have reason to look forward to renewed progress and 

 continued prosperity in the future. 



ROBERT ADKIN. 



