PREFACE. 
* 
W HEN" drawing up the Preface for the last Volume of 
Transactions, I indicated the urgency that existed for 
reducing the necessary expenditure for carrying on the work of 
the Institute, and that the Council had the matter under serious 
consideration. Since then, steps have been taken which will 
go far to diminish the expenditure — while, it is hoped, not 
lessening efficiency. These steps are stated in the Eeport of 
the Council — which ought to be carefully considered by all 
who value the work of the Institute. 
In retiring «from the office of Secretary, which I have held 
since the year 1900, I cannot hut acknowledge the general 
support and assistance I have received from the Council and 
members ; as also the friendly character of the letters 1 have 
received from Correspondents, sometimes of a confidential 
nature. It was rarely indeed that they were otherwise, and 
I regret that they will now be transferred to my successor. 
I am consoled, however, with the belief that the Volume of 
Transactions now being issued to our adherents will be found 
in no way inferior, either in the range of subjects treated, or 
the value of their contents, to any of its predecessors. 
Edward Hull, LL.D., 
Secretary and Editor. 
