PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. ll 
the manner in which they have conducted the affairs of 
the Society during the year. It is not generally recognised 
how much valuable time is given by these Honorary Officers 
in the interest of the Society, but the preparation of the 
annual volume, the library management, the arrangement 
of the financial affairs of the Society, the correspondence 
and many other duties all demand considerable attention 
and exacting service. 
In this connection, I would direct your attention toa 
matter of some moment tothe Society. As youare aware 
our highly respected Honorary Secretary, Mr. J. H. Maiden, 
has expressed a wish to retire from that office. It is now 
21 years since Mr. Maiden was first elected to the position 
of Honorary Secretary, and with the exceptions of the 
years 1896 and 1911 when he was your President, his 
services have been continuous. His efforts have always 
been willingly given to further the welfare of this Society, 
and his natural ability for organising and his methodical 
methods have enabled its affairs to proceed smoothly and 
efficiently. The Royal Society is under a great obligation 
to Mr. Maiden for his unselfish devotion to duty, and for 
his endeavours to increase its importance as a scientific 
institution. He has always been ready to help in every 
possible way, and we all regret that he has now ceased to 
hold the position of Honorary Secretary. We wish him 
long life, continued health, and energy. Although he retires 
from the office of Secretary, yet the Society will continue 
to have his advice and counsel in the direction of its affairs. 
* * * * * * * 
I now come to the main portion of my address, and ask 
you to bear with me while I endeavour to explain to you 
some features brought out by the study of our: Native Flora. 
I have to thank my colleague Mr. Baker for botanical advice 
and assistance, and my Laboratory Assistant, Mr. Randle, 
