2fi 
a change in the secretaryship, and are quite certain that in the persons 
of the two new Secretaries, Mr. W. -J. Kaye and Mr. S. J. Bell, the 
Society will be the gainer, and we hope our members will support 
them as steadily, and with the same kindness as they have extended 
to us. 
H. A. Sauze ) ,, c , 
TT -r, \ Hon. Sccs. 
ii. DONISTHORPE j 
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, 
By Mr. Louis B. Prout, F.E.S., 
the theme of which was : 
Our Society and its Work. 
He claimed for the Society an unique position amongst those of the 
Metropolis in respect of the large amount of scientific work done 
relatively to the small membership, a position which was at once a 
source of pride and of anxiety; and he urged members to give that 
financial support which was needed for the maintenance of such a 
position. Reference was made to the commencement, in the recently 
published Transactions for 1898, of the long promised “ London List’’ 
of Lepidoptera, and to the deep indebtedness of the Society to Dr. F. 
J. Buckell, M.B., both for the inception of this project, and for the 
excellent work which he put into his own department of the compilation. 
The suggestion was thrown out that the Goleoptera list, by Mr. H. 
Heasler, might well be published separately as one volume, by special 
subscription. 
The remainder of the address dealt with the ordinary objects and 
conduct of the Society, and it was claimed that, in accordance with its 
name, entomology ought to have the first place, even if the words “and 
Natural History ” might not advantageously be dropped altogether. 
The President thought also that there was room for more punctuality 
and more orderly procedure at the meetings, especially in connection 
with the passing round of exhibits, which he considered a most 
important part of the proceedings; and while expressing his intention 
of doing his best to secure an improvement in these respects, he begged 
every member to co-operate with him in maintaining perfect order, 
while any exhibit was announced, or other communication made. He 
had good hopes for the special discussions which were a prominent 
feature in the programme for the coming months ; and he reminded 
the younger members in particular that an accurately obserml fact was 
of just equal value whether communicated by the veriest tyro or by 
the most advanced scientist. He trusted that it would be remembered 
that we are all students together, and that none would be too diffident 
to add their mite to the common store of knowledge. 
