Presidents Address CXXl 
which were read at its meetings, the exhibits and interesting discussions 
which were reported in the papers, kept awake the interest in scientific 
matters among many who otherwise would have allowed it to die out ; 
that many observations of highly interesting facts were the direct result 
of the stimulus given by such discussions ; that the formation of some 
of the other societies with similar aims is partly due to the stimulating 
influence of this Society ; that, in fact, the Society has to some extent 
gathered ‘the scattered pioneers of scientific research and observation in 
this country. 
There is no question that these results would have been more con- 
siderable if the Society had received more assistance from friends and 
lovers of scientific research, if its funds were more ample, if it 
possessed, ¢.g., the means to offer prizes or medals for original research 
in South African natural history or other branches of science. 
There are a number of bursaries and scholarships—not at all too 
many as yet—which enable diligent young men to pursue their studies 
in Europe ; there is a fund for granting a prize for original essays on 
banking currency and finance, founded by the late Mr. J. B. Ebden, but 
there is no such fund for rewarding original work in natural science. 
Is there no protector of these branches of study in South Africa who 
would devote a fraction of his wealth to this most desirable, most laud- 
able, most grateful object? A sum of £500, or better £1,000, entrusted 
to the Council of the University, to the Council of this Society, or to 
special trustees, would afford the means to offer every year a sufficient 
prize or medal, or both, in order to stimulate original research in any 
branch of natural science. JI am convinced that such reward would 
bring us the solution of many of the problems which are awaiting 
investigation, and I hope that the valedictory address of my successor 
may have to record the first essay originated through the establishment 
of such a fund. 
With this sincere wish I resign this Chair, and thank you once more, 
ladies and gentlemen, for the kind indulgence you have shown to my 
shortcomings in the management of the work of the Society, and par- 
ticularly for the attention which you have granted me to-night for this 
lengthy and yet incomplete address. 
