Vol. 54.] ANNIYERSART MEETING LYELL GEOLOGICAL FUND. xHx 



Mr. Shrubsole replied in the following terms : — 

 Mr. President, — 



This part of the present proceedings has made me realize that 

 once again in my experience, the unexpected has happened. Only 

 this time, unlike many previous experiences, the unlooked-for 

 circumstances are, so far as I am concerned, entirely pleasant 

 and beneficial. In view of what has happened, I am constrained 

 to say that it affords me very great gratification that this dis- 

 tinguished Society has seen fit to include me in its roll of honour, 

 and to present me with a substantial mark of its favour. 



It is, indeed, very pleasant to me to find that the geological work 

 carried on quietly and alone for a good many years has now received 

 ample recognition, and has had the stamp of your approval bestowed 

 upon it. Although I had no co-workers in Sheppey from whom to 

 derive encouragement and assistance, yet I always met with kind 

 and helpful attention from all geologists with whom occasionally 

 I came in contact. I have never applied to any Fellow of this 

 Society, or to any ofiicial of our Museums, for help in the deter- 

 mination of specimens, without obtaining all that I wanted ; and 

 the value of this was enhanced by the extremely courteous way in 

 which it was rendered. 



There are gentlemen here — there are others who have passed 

 away — whom I shall always remember with gratitude, for having 

 thus assisted me when I was a geological neophyte. As to the 

 future, I hope that I may be able to render some further scientific 

 service. 



It is true, as you can see, that I am no longer troubled with the 

 immaturity of youth, yet I feel that a reserve of energy remains, 

 for which I hope opportunity of exercise may still be found. 



Although I no longer reside in Sheppey, I am keeping in touch 

 with the locality and am well represented there. You may rely 

 upon it that no new or rare fossils will escape notice, through any 

 lack of attention on the part of my helpers or myself. In this, 

 and in other ways, I hope to manifest a keen interest in geological 

 pursuits so long as life shall last. 



