59
IV.
The Presidential Address; Delivered by Raphael Meldola,
F.R.A.S., F.C.S., &c, at the Annual Meeting, January
27th, 1883.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Three years have now run their course since the
foundation of the Essex Field Club, and in taking a survey
of that interval we may fairly lay claim to a success which
has exceeded the most sanguine expectations of those who
brought our Society into existence. In vacating this chair,
which by your forbearance I have had the honour of occupying
from the period of our inauguration, I may state that my own
connection with the Club will be amongst the most pleasant
reminiscences of my past life. It gives me great satisfaction
to know that you have elected as my successor a gentleman
whose interest in your well-being will not be less warm than
my own, and under his guidance I have no doubt you will
continue to occupy that high position which you have won
among the local societies of this country.
The business matters laid before you in the Council Report
require but little comment on my part. On retiring from
the office of President I may, however, perhaps be permitted
to offer a few non-official suggestions, which I tender with
the more confidence as having been closely associated with
the executive body of the Club from the period of our
foundation. First with regard to our publications, I feel it
necessary to dwell shortly upon this the most important part
of our labours. I have on previous occasions taken it upon
myself to urge upon the Council the necessity for giving
publicity to the many excellent papers read at our meetings
as soon as conveniently possible after the reading of the
papers. If we need any convincing proof of our prosperity
it is to be found in the list of communications the publication