Having struck so mournful a chord at starting, I am led to a loss nearer home — to a vacancy in our own ranks, humbler far, yet not the less acutely perceptible within our limited circle. I am aware that the anniversary addresses from this chair have not hitherto been prefaced by the necrology of deceased members, so customary on similar occasions in the learned societies of Europe. Our origin is too recent, our numbers too small, the scientific reputation of the greater part of our members too inconsiderable, to render such a practice expedient ; but you will bear with me, I know, while making an exception in favour of one of our earliest and most indefatigable contributors, Dr Ludwig Becker — the more especially as he fell a victim to the cause of scientific exploration, which this Society has ever had so much at heart.

It was not his, indeed, to take part, as he so ardently desired, in the great exploit which has covered our land with so much grief and so much glory, the first crossing of the Australian Continent from sea to sea. Like many another brave man, he was fated but to form one of the baggage- guard whilst the victory was being won. But whenever -the history of the Burke and Wills Expedition is written, the name of Ludwig Becker will, like theirs, rank with those of Cunningham, Kennedy, Leichhardt, and the rest of that noble band who have sacrificed their lives in the cause of science, and for the benefit of the generations yet unborn that shall inhabit this vast continent.