348 
BULLETIN OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 
them ; when one sees destructive fungi and vile weeds causing the loss 
of valuable crops, he could wish that the intelligent study of plants 
were pursued by hundreds. 
****** 
A few years ago we knew little or nothing of the insects of our 
province, or what species were found here ; and there were few types in 
our museum that would help a student. Now we have some hundreds 
of species attesting to the activity and intelligent study given by Mr. 
McIntosh and his assistants to this important department. When we 
think how useful it is, not only to science generally, but to our 
agricultural industries especially, to have a minute and accurate 
knowledge of insects, particularly those that are beneficial or 
injurious to our agricultural interests, we cannot emphasize too much 
the importance of the work that is being done in this direction. 
And here I may mention what our society has been aiming to do 
in its elementary work during the past few years, in throwing open its 
museum to the public, especially to the children of the public schools, 
and in giving elementary and laboratory instruction to all who choose 
to attend. We cannot estimate this work too highly, nor be unwilling 
to make some sacrifices to maintain it, even though popular interest is 
not fully aroused to take advantage of it. It will be aroused if we 
persistently keep at the work of elementary instruction, for in that, 
to a great extent, our future success is largely bound up. It is in inter- 
esting young people, especially in our Society and its objects, that we 
must depend for an increase of our membership ; and in carrying on 
our work when those who are now our active members shall lay down 
the burden. 
And while I am speaking of our elementary work, I should refer 
to the interest taken in our regular monthly meetings and the subjects 
there discussed. Take, for example, the programme of our regular 
work for this winter. It is full to overflowing on topics that are live 
and interesting, each one of which is important as illustrating the 
various phases of work in which the society is engaged. Prof. Ganong’s 
continued interest is a source of strength to us. His notes from time 
to time on the physiography of New Brunswick and kindred topics 
are of very great value to our members as well as to the province. 
