104 Canadian Record of Science. 



Society for so many years, when he was occupied with mat 

 ters of great importance, and often when the meetings were 

 very poorly attended. It is to be hoped that this example 

 will not be lost on us. In a society like ours the duty of 

 mutual encouragement is clear. 



Dr. Harrington, one of the good friends of this Society, 

 who did so much for it in the past, when resigning his 

 position as president, urged that the Society should consider 

 the advisability of attempting to bring to this city some of 

 the eminent scientific workers or teachers from the United 

 States and offer to the public a lecture or two from them 

 daring the winter in some large hall. Considering how 

 little is done in Montreal in the way of providing lectures 

 for its citizens by distinguished men, this proposition of Dr. 

 Harrington's should not, I feel, be allowed to pass into 

 oblivion. I have myself for many years felt the great need 

 of such lectures in this city, though it must be confessed the 

 financial risk is considerable in attempting to carry such a 

 scheme into effect. 



In a society like ours we must never forget that it exists 

 to increase the knowledge of science and to spread that 

 knowledge. This implies the need above every thing else 

 of a body of enthusiastic workers, and no material acquisi- 

 tion can ever compensate for the lack of such people. With- 

 out these a natural history society is poor, poor indeed. 



I am, therefore, deeply concerned as to how we shall dis- 

 cover and enlist the co-operation of men, especially young 

 men, who will infuse into us some of that enthusiasm which 

 nearly always means success in achievement and give us a 

 promise of a fullness of the life-tide of science which will 

 widen and deepen the channels which the same enthusiasm 

 and the work it begets, have worn in the past. 



Our superintendent, Mr. Griffin, has continued to dis- 

 charge his duties with intelligence, energy, courtesy and 

 success generally, and I have always found him ready to 

 assist in any matter which has been brought to his notice. 



From the reports of the various officers and committees 

 read this evening you will be able to judge somewhat as to 



