204 Anniversary Address. 



for the accuracy of observations intended to be noted in 

 the Club's Transactions, of which he would be expected 

 to .satisfy himself before reporting them. 



These remarks simply indicate the lines on which, I 

 submit, we might with advantage proceed ; and I am 

 well aware there are members much better qualified to 

 speak on the matter than myself, and who, if the matter 

 is worth notice, I hope may be able to advantageously 

 sujiplement and alter these suggestions. 



It does not seem to me that the course I have 

 suggested need interfere with the General Meetings of 

 the Club ; indeed, they would very greatly benefit by 

 an}^ work that had been accomplished by the sections, 

 and would be rendered more interesting and instructive. 



Probably also it might be possible to carry out objects 

 of research that have not hitherto been taken up, in a 

 systematic manner, by the Club. 



Dr Hardy has often suggested that the Marine Zoology 

 of the Coast might well be taken in hand by the Club. 

 The present, moreover, seems a most favourable time for 

 action. One branch of the Science, namely — the Study 

 of the Life- Histories of Food Sea Fishes — -is now one of 

 the most prominent of Zoological questions, both from a 

 purely scientific and an economic point of view ; and, 

 though I do not know that we could do much as 

 regards Biology, it need not be lost sight of: and we 

 might be enabled to appreciate more fully the work that 

 is going on at the Scientific Experimental Stations (of 

 which we are fortunate to have so excellent an example 

 at Dunbar), and the discoveries that will no doubt be 

 made, from time to time, before the prevailing ignorance 

 on the subject is dispelled. 



We have also, this year, got into touch with the 

 Scotch Fishery Board, and two gentlemen, oflficially 

 connected with it, were elected members of this Club 

 early in the year, subject to the usual confirmation 

 to-day ; and I trust we may look for assistance from 

 them, should we embark in the investigation. 



