Xll PROCEEDINGS 



are better and clearer than those in the 48th volume : showing 

 that advancement in mechanical processes does not always 

 mean better artistic work. Sir F. W. Nicolson, Captain of 

 the "Pique" wrote on Cyclones and Captain Foote of the U.S. 

 "Portsmouth" wrote en a visit to Simoda and Hakodate. 

 Dr. MacGowan wrote on Ethnology. You will at once see 

 that the Editorial Committee took their business seriously. 



The fiftieth volume is of such a recent date that there is 

 no need to recall either the names of the writers or the 

 subjects. It is sufficient to say that whilst the quantity has 

 increased the quality has not deteriorated. Speaking of this 

 volume Dr. Arthur Smith said in a review, "This Semi- 

 centennial issue of a hardy annual is a conspicuously interest- 

 ing one." So with that encouraging word from Dr. Smith 

 we venture to go forward in the spirit of hopefulness to 

 introduce Vol. LI to you. And it is interesting to find that 

 the first paper in the new volume is by Mr. Clifton Dodd on 

 "The Relation between the Siamese and Chinese," thus in 

 a special manner linking up Vol. I with Vol. LI : for in the 

 first volume the President in his "Inaugural Address" said, 

 "Among all the inhabitants both on the continent and on the 

 islands, none are more interesting than the tribes long known 

 to us as Miautsze, seemingly identical with the Karens, or 

 * aborigines,' of Burmah, who, on account of their ready 

 reception of Christian truth, are at the present moment 

 especially worthy of our consideration." 



The volume is almost ready and will soon be distributed 

 and thus help you to spend some pleasant hours in the hot 

 weather. 



The Honorary Secretary's Report. 



The Hen. Secretary, Mr. Isaac Mason, then read his 

 report as given below : — 



In the Pieports of a Society like this there is bound to be 

 something of repetition, and perhaps it is one of the proofs of 

 continued healthy existence that we can tell of the usual 

 activities without having to chronicle anything abnormal. 



There have been eight meetings of the Council held 

 during the year. The death of Mr. George Lanning, who for 

 several years had sat on the Council, has been much re- 

 gretted; as an occasional lecture before the Society, and as 

 •a faithful attender at the meetings, Mr. Lanning has been 

 •a valuable member, and his genial presence is much missed. 

 Mr. H. A. Wilden had to resign his seat in the course of the 

 year, when going on home leave. 



Nine public meetings have been held during the Session, 

 at which the Papers and Lectures given were as follows : — 



"Greek and Chinese Art Ideals," by Dr. A. Stanley. 

 (October 23rd). 



