ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 29th January, 1890. PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. At the dose of 1889, the fifteenth year of our Society's existence, I have once more the honour of laying before you the annual report upon the progress and state of the Society, its gains and losses, and the work which it has achieved. In connection with the latter topic, I shall, as heretofore, make reference to such other contributions to the Natural History of Australia as I have been able to observe during the past year. The first Monthly Meeting of the Society was held on 25th January, 1875, under the presidency of Mr. (now Sir William) Macleay, — who also, at the first Annual General Meeting, 31st January, 1876, delivered the first President's Address. In the meanwhile the ''Chevert" expedition had been organised and equipped, and had completed its explorations in and about New Guinea. I have on a previous occasion made the remark that it was unquestionably to that expedition and its results that this Society owes its early and vigorous growth. Nevertheless the remark will bear repeating, as well as the reminder that the whole cost of that expedition was borne by our then President, a point which should not be forgotten in the enumeration of his services to Natural History, and his extraordinary contributions towards the welfare of the Linnean Society of New South Wales. The number of original members was 125, many of whom there is reason to suppose subscribed not altogether on account of particular interest in any branch of Natural History, but rather in order to give a kindly help to an infant Society, whose objects everyone approved.
BioStor
