the ordinary meetings, special entomological excursions took place which were much enjoyed 

 by all. The collections of the several members residing in Buffalo, and the fine library 

 belonging to the Society of Natural Sciences, were freely opened to the visiting members. 



The entomological collections in the American National Museum at Washington are 

 being rapidly augmented under the energetic direction of the Curator, Mr. John B. Smith. 

 The valuable private collections which have been acquired, added to the large amount of 

 material constantly accumulating and being rapidly arranged, have already made it a most 

 valuable collection of reference. 



In accordance with a request made by the Minister of Agriculture for the Dominion, 

 the valuable collection of our Society was specially prepared for exhibition during last 

 winter, and forwarded early in the spring to the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London, 

 where it has been an attractive object to visitors throughout the summer. In the work of 

 preparation most valuable aid was rendered by one of our esteemed fellow members, Mr. 

 J. Alston Moffat, who devoted many weeks of consecutive labour to this end. Mention 

 should also be made of the valuable aid rendered by our esteemed Secretary-Treasurer, 

 Mr. E. Baynes Reed, and of his son Lawrence, also of a member of our Council, Mr. J. M. 

 Denton, for it is to the combined efforts of these several individuals that our great success 

 has been mainly due. 



In bringing these brief remarks to a close, I desire to refer to the pleasure it has given 

 me during many years past to fill to the best of my ability the post of honour in which, 

 year after year, you have been pleased to place me. Public duties of an important 

 character, which I have recently undertaken, will, from this time forward, necessarily 

 engross all my time, and in case my name should be mentioned again in connection with 

 the position of President, I beg to state frankly that I shall be no longer able to serve you 

 in this capacity. I regret also that I shall be compelled to relinquish the work of editing 

 the Canadian Entomologist, a position which I have long filled with much pleasure to 

 myself and, I trust, with some acceptance to the Society. In taking leave of the many 

 kind friends who have rendered so much assistance to our journal by their valued contribu- 

 tions, I would, while sincerely thanking them for past favours, bespeak for my successor a 

 continuance of their kind services. 



With many thanks for all past favours, 



I have the honour to be, 



Your obedient servant, 



WM. SAUNDERS. 



Moved by Mr. Fletcher, seconded by Rev. Thos. W. Fyles, 



That the society learns with regret that their esteemed friend, Prof. Saunders, has 

 found it necessary to withdraw from the Presidency of their body, and also from the 

 Editorship of their organ, The Canadian Entomologist ; but recognizing the importance of 

 the work Prof. Saunders has been called upon to superintend, and the wisdom of the 

 choice made in him by the Government, it congratulates the Professor upon this recogni- 

 tion of his abilities and zeal in the public service, and respectfully tenders to him a Life 

 Membership in the society. 



The resolution was carried unanimously by a standing vote. 



ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 



The following named gentlemen were duly elected as officers of the Society for the 

 ensuing year : 



President. — James Fletcher, Ottawa, Ont. 



Vice-President.— Rev. C, J. S. Bethune, M.A., D. C. L, Port Hope, Ont. 

 -. "nd Librarian. — E. Baynes Reed, London, Ont. 



