XIX 
tention to the mere rearing of the worms, and forwarding 
the smothered cocoons to Europe, than to the actual wind- 
ing off of the silk thread, a proceeding which cannot be 
economically carried out on a small scale. 
,f The manufacture of the leaves of the aloe and other 
plants has been carried on with a certain amount of suc- 
cess ; but at present the difficulty which prevents its entire, 
success seems chiefly to consist in the large cost which has 
to be incurred in conveying the raw material to the mill 
which is to convert it into an article of merchandise. Were 
this difficulty overcome as doubtless it eventually will be, 
there is every reason to believe, that the manufacture of 
fibres will become one of the most lucrative sources of 
revenue of those avIio possess land on which sugar cane will 
no longer grow. 
“ The Society, T think, has every reason to congratulate 
itself on the stimulus which it has given to these two in- 
dustries, and it remains for those who are in a position to 
benefit by its labours, to do so. 
“ You Avill also allow me, I hope, to say one word on 
the last Exhibition, which so far as the value of works of 
art, science and industry are concerned, was I believe, I 
am right in saying superior to any preceding one. Our 
chief thanks for its success are due to Dr Regnaud and the 
other members of the Committee who so ably assisted him. 
“ In conclusion, I beg to apologize to the Society for the 
blanks in the attendance book at its meetings, which stand 
opposite my name, and I can only excuse myself by saying 
that however much I may have wished to have been present, 
other more important duties have intervened to prevent 
me/' 
Dr. Ch. Regnaud, one of the Vice-Presidents, seconded 
by Dr. Le Juge, proposed a vote of thanks to the Seere 
tary for the Report just submitted to the Society — and 
also to its President, the Hon. Ed Newton for his address 
to the Meeting. 
