BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 
151 
If these excursions did not always result in any great addition 
to the cause of science, they were very enjoyable, and were the 
means of bringing the members into closer association with each 
other. And then, the advantage of being able to study the various 
marine forms in a living state, and to admire all the beautiful 
colours which they displayed upon being brought up fresh from the 
bottom of the sea, is in itself a sufficient inducement to brave all 
the dangers of the deep, and help in the hauling of the dredge. 
If you really mean work, a visit to one of the Marine Biological 
Stations, which have recently been established at certain points on 
our coast, should be undertaken, of which the one at Plymouth is 
the most efficient for the purpose. These stations are fitted up 
with everything which is required for the study of marine zoology. 
There are aquariums, laboratories, and a steam launch and other 
boats for dredging and collecting specimens. Many very important 
facts are being added to our knowledge of the habits and food 
supply of our principal fishes by the zoologists who are engaged in 
making these investigations ; and many valuable researches are 
being made, and many important results are being obtained, which 
will be of much benefit, not only to the cause of science but for the 
well-being of the community at large. Our accomplished friend 
and marine zoologist, Mr. W. R. Hughes, has visited this station, 
and has given us a very interesting account of its general arrange¬ 
ments and resources. 
And now I find that I must bring my remarks to a close, and I 
regret very much that I have been unable to follow the practice of 
former Presidents, who have either laid before you a full and 
interesting account of their own particular work, or brought to your 
notice some special subject of general scientific interest ; but if I 
cannot imitate them in this respect, I hope I shall not be behind 
them in trying to promote, as far as possible, the best interests and 
welfare of our Society. It only remains for me now to thank you 
for the patience with which you have listened to my very disjointed 
discourse. I am sorry to have inflicted it upon you, but I had no 
alternative. 
July, 1893. 
