1868.] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. 41 



way in which I have performed my part of the work, and express a 

 hope that under my successor, the progress of the Society may be 

 all that you can desire. I am most grateful for the consideration that 

 would have allowed me to retain the chair I now vacate ; but I feel 

 more than ever the force of what I said, when I accepted the office, 

 that it should be held by some one with more leisure and more 

 special aptitude than I have for the work. I feel that this, almost 

 the only scientific Society on this side of India, should have great 

 aspirations, as I believe it has a great work to perform. Its object is 

 to develope the scientific resources of India, and to make them known 

 to Europe, to influence both countries for their mutual good. How 

 much this implies, I cannot now stop to speculate. 



To preside over a Society with such aims is, I repeat, the work 

 of those who represent philological or physical science, and I am 

 glad to think that I make over my trust to one so eminently fulfilling 

 this condition. My own interest in the Society of which I am now an 

 old member, will remain unabated, and I shall look forward with 

 confidence to its rise to a point of equality among other similar Societies 

 in Europe, feeling sure that if it be conducted in accordance with the 

 Founder's wishes, the ends he looked for, will certainly be attained. 



Dr. Fayrer then vacated the chair, which was taken by the Hon'ble 

 J. B. Phear. 



The meeting then resolved itself into an ordinary monthly meeting. 



Ordinary Meeting. 

 The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. 

 The following presentations were announced — 

 From Dr. T. Anderson, Superintendent, Botanical Gardens. 



1. A copy of Mr. Kurz's " Report on the vegetation of the Anda- 

 man Islands." 



2. From Dr. Frauz Steindachner, through Dr. F. Stoliczka : four 

 pamphlets, viz. — 



Keise der Osterreichischen Fregatte Novara um die Etde in den 

 Jahren 1857, 1858, 1859 : Zoologiseher Theil ; Erster Band. 

 Reptilien. 



Do. do. Amphibien. 

 Iehthyologische Mittheilungen (IX). 



