AT THE ANNUAL MEETING APRIL I, 1911. 227
naturalists such as this. Essex and some other Counties have
already agricultural institutes, and it is probable that almost
every county will shortly be similarly provided. The scientific
work of these institutes must necessarily be chiefly economic
and utilitarian, but out of that work, whether in the examination
of soils and well waters, in treatments against insects or fungoid
pests, in the identification of weeds, or in the breeding of new
varieties, contributions to knowledge in the realm of pure science
must necessarily be forthcoming, provided the st ff of workers
receive any encouragement to record their observations. It is
a matter for regret that the flow of contributions from the
County Technical Laboratories at Chelmsford has ceased, and
it is with the hope of re-establishing communication that a field
meeting has been arranged in connection with the Laboratories
for the study of a branch of mycology in which the staff of an
agricultural institute necessarily takes an interest.
I cannot make these pleas without expressing my regret
that during these three years I have not done more myself in
the directions indicated. Indeed, my services to the Club sink
into insignificance beside the services of many other members.
First and foremost the Club is indebted, during this period,
no less than during its whole existence, to the single-hearted
devotion of its beloved and honoured Secretary, It is only a
President who can quite realise the weight of responsibility—
secretarial, curatorial and editorial—that falls upon Mr. Cole's
shoulders, or the extent to which the life and vigour of the Club
is due to his inspiration. We rejoice that he has been able to
resume those responsibilities after his illness, no less than that
his family anxieties are to some extent mitigated ; indeed, we
hope that his brother, our Assistant-Secretary, may again be
seen at our meetings. To Mr. Miller Christy and Mr. Percy
Thompson, the Club owes an enormous debt of gratitude, for
the former, by assuming the presidential and editorial duties,
and the latter, by assuming the secretarial duties, carried on
the affairs of the Club during the long absence of the Secretary
and myself. The balance sheet has proved to you how much
we are indebted to Mr. Howard, our Treasurer. Lastly, the
President desires to thank, in the name of the Club, the many
other members, who by reading papers, preparing exhibits,
taking part in discussions, attending our meetings, presenting