GUPPY — SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN TRINIDAD, &7 
copies of our proceedings by post. Another matter relates 
to Alcohol used for natural-history purposes.. Such Alcohol 
is, owing to the high duty it pays in common with all other 
Spirits, so expensive as to prevent the use of it for the 
transmission of specimens to Europe. 
One word morev Living as we do in a country where 
Science is so little appreciated, and where it not only meets 
with a good deal of indifference but with some open hosti- 
lity, it may be hoped that we shall always present a close 
front, and be always unanimous in the promotion of our 
objects. Some indeed among us, with the best intentions 
doubtless, have steadfastly opposed every measure which 
has been brought forward for, the development of the Asso- 
ciation. But I need scarcely remind you that this Associa- 
tion would not now have been in existence if we had not 
carried the measures referred to. Having now attained a 
certain position we must either advance or retrograde. The 
farther propositions which are laid before you this evening, 
and which have all been suggested and favorably received 
at former meetings, have for their end not merely the ad- 
vancement and development of this Association, but even 
the securing of its existence on its present footing. It can- 
not be said that we in any way imperil the existence of the 
Association by taking those very steps which are necessary 
for its preservation and development. 
In conclusion I may congratulate the Association on hav- 
ing completed the fourth year of its existence, and upon 
having passed through what I may term its stage of in- 
fancy. The dawn of a new era in its career is fitly inaugu- 
rated by the appearance of the first number of its J ournal 
of Proceedings which, as I have already remarked, is in- 
tended to be issued half-yearly, and which will doubtless 
