It is my pleasant duty to begin by returning to you my most sincere thanks for the honour you have once more done me. In electing me your President for the fifth time, and an officer of the Society for the twenty-sixth time, you have completed for me my record, for this is the last time that I shall ever ask for your votes in this room. If I am in my place next year I shall hope then to express to you how deeply I feel this final proof of your confidence; but the very fact that I am now entering on my last year of office turns my thoughts towards the end of my long service, and to the debt I owe to you all for your constant support and encouragement.