Nor must we omit to notice the great benefit to be derived from the friendly discussion of subjects in which we are all mutually interested, not only to the profession at large, but also to each one individually, for which of us in his early days has not felt the wish that he had thought of this or that other mode of treatment in some particular case; and what more likely to impress new ideas on the memory, or, to use a familiar expression, make us “have them at our fingers’ ends” (the place where surely they are wanted when operating), than the friendly discussion of them which it is one of the objects of our Society to encourage? The President of the Western branch has held out to us the hand of fellowship, which I am sure I need not ask your permission to be allowed to reciprocate most fully—not only in the wish for their future prosperity, but also in the assurance that any of their members who may have an opportunity of attending our meetings, will at all times receive that cordial welcome which it should be our greatest pleasure to extend to all the members of our Society and its branches, thus realizing one of the great objects of our Association, and proving not only by our words, but also by our actions, that we are anxious to encourage that professional intercourse which must tend not only to our mutual benefit, but also to that of the community at large; and if, as their President remarked, it is a pleasure to them to think that in the formation of our branch we show “the benefits resulting from the good example they have set us,” it is no less a subject of congratulation to us to know that they have at last recognised the good which is likely to accrue, both to themselves and to the profession generally, by following our example, and forming themselves into a local branch of the British Dental Association. And now, fearing that I have already trespassed too long on your time and forbearance, it only remains for me to thank you for the kind reception you have accorded me, and to express the belief that, although the barque which we have so successfully launched will probably meet with the usual amount of storms and difficulties, still the old proverbial “long pull and a strong pull and a pull all together,” in which you are so able and willing to join, will carry it securely through the many undercurrents and quicksands which may threaten it on its course, and secure what we all so ardently hope for—a useful, as well as a long and prosperous career, for the Midland Branch of the British Dental Association. * * * * *