April, 1925 
The Queensland Naturalist. 
7 
must always be borne in mind that, after all, the theore- 
tical aspect represents the fundamental source from 
which we must draw. Certain it is that we must exer- 
cise perspective, and recognise that in the business of 
the State the economic aspect must be kept in view, for, 
after all, attention is generally focussed on some specific 
problem whenever the aid of science is sought. At the 
same time, and especially in many biological problems, 
there is a very considerable amount of w'ork which might 
be done by many who possess the natural ability and 
aptitude, and might be encouraged to undertake such. 
The pages of our scientific journals in various parts of 
the world reveal the names of many workers who have 
availed themselves of the opportunities bestotved on them 
by Nature, and such institutions as the Naturalists’ 
Club. Such institutions have meant the stimulation of a 
natural interest and have created confidence with the 
enthusiasm engendered. Biological achievement in 
Queensland is certainly not commensurate with the 
existent ability to produce results. In view of this fact, 
it is regrettable that there is not a larger representation 
of the teaching profession within the membership of the 
Club, since that profession could achieve much, directly 
or indirectly, in the direction indicated. In making these 
remarks I am not unmindful of the fact tliat the Club 
exists primarily for the encouragement and cultivation 
of a love for Natural History, and in this respect my 
mind is drawn to an analogy when reviewing the rela- 
tive merits of economic and aesthetic tastes — I refer to 
the relation of State and Church. The activities of such 
interdigitate in such a way that it is impossible to 
abruptly demarcate the influences of these two institu- 
tions as far as the life of the community is concerned. 
Within the biological field the Naturalists’ Club attempts 
to foster a love for Nature, and in so doing is accom- 
plishing educational work. Charles Darwin was fore- 
most and pre-eminently a naturalist. 
Our educational system makes some contribution 
along these lines by means of instruction in Nature 
Study, but that largely ceases, unfortunately, when the 
time comes for the passage of the iiupil from the school 
to the routine business of obtaining a livelihood. Th** 
Club endeavours to foster and perpetuate interest in 
Nature Study throughout life, and in so doing is dis- 
charging tasks which should be more widely known. 
