Gentlemen,—At various times since you did me the honour to elect me your President for the coming year, I have considered what should be the subject of the address which custom demands that I should this day deliver. You have listened to addresses on the prevention of insanity, the treatment of insanity, the care of the insane whether recent or chronic—in fact, as every year brings its address, I felt that it was difficult to choose a theme that had not already engaged the attention of far abler and more experienced Presidents. When, however, the Parliamentary Committee, which has so long been sitting, commenced its labours, and heard the evidence of so many witnesses on the various points which they have brought before it, it seemed to me impossible that I could pass over such an event without notice, and I determined to lay before you some remarks on the Report of that Committee, and the evidence there received. Yet, although the Committee commenced its sittings in the beginning of March, it has not yet presented its report, consequently I am not able to lay any portion of the latter before you on this 2nd of August.