in however humble a degree, in taking part in what we fondly and reasonably hope will prove the formation of a grand future for our branch of surgery. To our Secretary and Treasurer are due, I believe, the credit of having originated the branch, and I take this opportunity of saying that I am unable in any way to claim a portion of that credit for myself, for I gather from a letter in one of the journals, that I was not only believed to have been one of the promoters, but that I was thought to have been guilty of an act of discourtesy in what I had done, or rather in what I had not done. I knew nothing of the project till I received a printed circular inviting my co-operation, and it was not till after the lapse of many weeks that I found myself able to join in the scheme. The promoters worked hard in drafting the bye-laws and arranging the other necessary preliminaries, but I am sure I may say for them that they feel amply rewarded by seeing their pet child, over which they have laboured so long, fully recognised as a legitimate offspring of the British Dental Association. The objects of the branch, you see by the bye-laws, are fourfold:— 1. To render assistance, as far as possible, in carrying out the provisions of the Dentists Act. 2. The general consideration of subjects affecting the interests of the profession. 3. The reading and discussion of papers on Dental Surgery and Mechanics. 4. The cultivation of a generous professional spirit amongst practitioners throughout the district.