PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 
115 
onerous and difficult post, in which he laboured throughout 
the whole period with indefatigable zeal for the welfare of the 
Society ; in fact, he thoroughly assimilated himself with it, so 
that the interests of both became identical. It is probable that 
no one was better, or so well, known in the Society as he, on 
account of his general popularity and the number of years he 
had belonged to it. Botany was his special branch of study, 
and British Ferns were his especial delight. One of 
his chief characteristics was the courage with which he 
advocated his views, and however widely he might differ 
from his brother scientists, he was always friendly as soon as 
the controversy was over. His sterling good qualities caused 
his loss to be deeply felt by the Society, and his memory is 
not only respected now, but will be in years to come, as one 
who faithfully tried to do his best. 
The work of the Society has been of a very satisfactory 
chaiacter during the past year, and an increased interest in 
the proceedings has been evinced by many members, which 
is most gratifying to those who labour in promoting the love 
of Natural Science. The financial position is slightly im¬ 
proved from the previous year, but to continue the usefulness 
of the Society it is absolutely imperative that the present 
income should be kept up, if not augmented, and to do this, 
new members are necessary to take the place of those lost to 
the Society, either by death or otherwise. I would, there¬ 
fore, urge upon the members the desirability of bringing the 
advantages of the Society—which are great—before their 
friends as an inducement for them to join. 
Popular Interest in Natural History. 
The interest taken in what I may term general Natural 
History is, I think, more widely spread than is usually 
imagined. I do not refer to scientific study or systematic 
research, but the casual interest, or desire to know something 
of things, animate and inanimate, one meets with in our 
every-day life, without caring about the morphology and 
physiology of the object which attract attention. This class 
of interest was largely shown and exemplified by the majority 
of the visitors who inspected the Natural History Division of 
the Exhibition held in Bingley Hall, which section was of a 
necessityrestricted, as the specimens exhibited only represented 
species that had been obtained in the immediate district, and 
consequently it was impossible to convey an adequate idea of 
the complete Fauna, Flora, and Geology of the Midlands. 
In making enquiries for the loan of specimens, I found that 
many rare mammals and birds obtained in this and adjoining 
