tKESIDENT's ADDKESS. 37 



obtaining certain scientific data which were requisite for the fur- 

 ther progress of natural knowledge. In her case the duty of 

 geographical exploration was subordinate, and the duty of scien- 

 tific investigation paramount. 



In addition to this important recognition, by Crovernment, of 

 JSTatural Science, it is only due also to make mention of the Go- 

 vernment aid to scientific research. The legislature of the land 

 has at last seen it to be its duty to act upon the recommendation 

 of His Grace the Duke of Devonshire's Commission, and to make 

 a substantial contribution towards the endowment of pure scien- 

 tific research. A sum of five thousand pounds per annum is now 

 devoted to this object, and is to be administered by the Eoyal 

 Society. One sum of one thousand pounds is to be appropriated 

 mainly to the providing of instruments and other assistance ne- 

 cessary to scientific inquiries, while the other sum of four thour 

 sand is to be applied to the aid of scientific investigators, not 

 only by providing instruments and assistance, but by making 

 personal allowances or grants of money to the investigators for 

 their services. 



In bringing this valedictory address to a conclusion, a short 

 reference to the present position of the Club would appear to be 

 the most fitting. At the last Anniversary, the Club was consti- 

 tuted of six hundred and thirteen members, of whom fifty-three 

 have been withdrawn, either in consequence of resignation or of 

 death. During the year eighty -five new members have been 

 elected, so that the Club, at the present time, is composed of six 

 hundred and forty-five members, an increase of thirty-two in 

 comparison with the previous year. This is very pleasing, and 

 is an evidence of the stability and of the increasing appreciation 

 of the privileges of its membership. The financial position is 

 equally satisfactory. For such, we are indebted to our mucli 

 esteemed Treasurer. 



The meetings. Field and Evening, during the year, may be 

 regarded as to have been successful. To the Committee, but 

 more especially to the Honorary Secretaries, for the admirable 

 arrangements that were made for our edification and comfort, 



