1899-1000.] $59 



Take up some definite object of study and try to illustrate it 

 with completeness and care, and do not dissipate time and 

 energy in the search for pretty things which have no connection 

 or teaching when isolated and dragged out of their environment. 



I had hoped to touch on economic botany in connection with 

 our new National Board of Agriculture, and the fine cases now 

 being accumulated in Dublin in illustration of this subject, and 

 the need of having something of the same kind in Belfast. 

 Of the need of a library of reference of works of Natural 

 Science, and also of collections of mosses, Lichens, Fungi and 

 Algae and other groups, which would be available for study 

 and comparison to the members of our club. They may come 

 I hope in time. 



My object has been not to criticise methods of working, for 

 our Club stands in some ways at a disadvantage in not 

 possessing like other Societies of the kind a building and 

 appliances of its own, but to suggest ways and directions in 

 which progress might be made. 



Let us keep before us the true objects for which our club was 

 founded and remembering the traditions of the past endeavour 

 to extend its work and usefulness in the coming century. 

 Without boastfulness it may be truly said that it has always 

 been a centre of progress and education in Belfast in all that 

 relates to the love of nature and the pursuit of those human- 

 izing and elevating studies which lead us to wonder ever more 

 and more at the beauty which is so lavishly spread around in 

 things great and small, at the wisdom and power and patience 

 of which they are the expression and embodiment. 



May we seek in our communion with nature to be always 

 learning at her feet and to drink in of her spirit, her infinite 

 patience and calmness, to soothe the impatience and restlessness 

 of ours, her impassiveness and strength to give us firmness and 

 power, her prodigality and kindness to give generousness to 

 ours, her beauty so touching and widespread kindling into 

 flame the admiration and wonder of our spirits to ennoble and 

 refine them. 



