9 



ments of science will be present to greet with a hearty welcome the distinguished 

 scientists from the United States and abroad who will on that occasion honour the 

 Dominion with their presence. I have strong hopes that the Entomologists of Canada 

 will turn out in good force. 



If the progress of a science is to be indicated by its literature and the number of its 

 devotees, then Entomology has made very rapid progress within the last two or three years. 

 There are on this continent now nearly 500 persons pursuing the study of this important 

 branch of natural history, and during the past year a large number of original papers 

 have been published on the subject. The Canadian Entomologist, the monthly organ of 

 our Society, continues to hold its place in the front rank among the most useful periodi- 

 cals in this connection, while clustering around it now are Psyche, the organ of the 

 ■Cambridge Entomological Club ; the Bulletin of the Brooklyn Entomological Society ; 

 and last, though by no means least, Papilio, a journal devoted exclusively to lepidoptera 

 and mainly to descriptions of new species, which has now completed its seventh number. 

 All these are devoted exclusively to Entomology, and will be found of great value to 

 every Entomologist. To these must be added the valuable reports of the XT. S. Entomo- 

 logical Commission, whose good work is still being continued ; the annual reports of the 

 Entomologist of the Department of Agriculture at Washington, those of the several State 

 Entomologists, the anual report of our own Society, as well as a large number of papers 

 on the subject to be found in the Transactions and Proceedings of all Natural History 

 Societies. There has also appeared in the Canadian Sportsman and Naturalist, edited by 

 William Couper, of Montreal, some Entomological items of special interest to Canadian 

 Entomologists. 



In my last annual address I referred to the appointment by the Ontario Government 

 of a Special Commission to enquire into the agricultural resources of the Province, and 

 the progress and condition of agriculture therein. In view of the important bearing of 

 Entomology on successful agriculture, the Government was pleased to appoint your Presi- 

 dent as one of the Commissioners. The report of the Commission has since been com- 

 piled and published, in which the insects injurious to the farmer and fruit-grower have 

 been fully dealt with ; also the remedies suggested for their destruction, and the benefi- 

 cial insects which prey upon them. The evidence relating to the subjects of insects and 

 insectivorous birds occupies 104 pages in the full report, and 61 pages in the condensed 

 report, both of which are adorned with many excellent illustrations. The eagerness with 

 which these publications have been sought after is indicative of the estimation in which 

 they are held by the public. It would, I think, meet a strongly felt want if some arrange- 

 ment were made whereby this valuable work, so useful to every farmer, might become acces- 

 sible by purchase to all who are seeking for it throughout the length and breadth of 

 our Dominion. 



I have the honour to be. 



Yours very sincerely, 



Wm. Saunders. 



The election of officers then took place, when the following gentlemen were declared 

 duly elected : — 



Presideyit. — Wm. Saunders, London. 

 Vice-President. — G. J. Bowles, Montreal. 



Secretary-Treasurer and Librarian. — E. Baynes-Keed, London. 



Council. —'Key. C. J. S. Bethune, Port Hope ; J. A. Moffat, Hamilton ; James 

 Pletcher, Ottawa ; P. V. Pogers, Kingston ; J. M. Denton, London ; W. H. Harrington, 

 Ottawa ; and W. Couper, Montreal. 



Editor. — Wm. Saunders. 



Editing Committee. — Pev. C. J. S. Bethune, J. M. Denton, E, Baynes-Peed. 



Auditors. — Chas. Chapman, H. Bock. 



The report of the Montreal Branch was next read. 



Routine business having been transacted, the Chairman invited discussion on any 

 Entomological matters. 



