PREFACE. 



IN issuing the 38th Volume of the Transactions, I have only 

 to impress on Members and Associates the obligation 

 they are under to endeavour to increase the influence of the 

 Institute and to add to the number of its adherents. The 

 Council has never adopted outside means of popularity by 

 advertising in order to attract the public, being satisfied with 

 dependence on the efforts of its friends, the interest and 

 importance of its objects, and the honour of enrolment in its 

 ranks. Nevertheless, efforts are necessary to bring the work 

 of the Victoria Institute to the notice of those whom it is 

 desirable to attract, and with this object a copy of the " Objects 

 Paper" will be issued to those receiving the new volume of 

 Transactions, with the hope that each Member or Associate 

 will endeavour to bring in at least one adherent during the 

 ensuing year. 



The Council would esteem it a favour to receive communica- 

 tions on subjects suitable for discussion and publication, and 

 also to receive the names of persons considered qualified to 

 deal with them. 



Edward Hull, LL.D., 



Secretary and Editor. 



