107 



fore, for us to consider whether the constitution 

 and regulations of our Society be capable of 

 improvement or not. Its objects are of such a 

 general nature as to aftbrd the most ample scope 

 for bringing before us information of every de- 

 scription, in connection with literature and sci- 

 ence, whether emanating from the philosopher, 

 the scholar, the artist, or the mechanic. With 

 respect to the admission of members, regard 

 seems chiefly, and, as I think, properly, to be 

 paid to respectability of character and deport- 

 ment. Hence we find, among our associates, 

 persons of various professions and callings, each 

 bringing with him a stock of knowledge peculi- 

 arly within his own province ; and hence the 

 Society may hope to possess, among its mem- 

 bers, information connected, in a greater or less 

 degree, with every branch of literature, the sci- 

 ences and the arts. 



" For since the claims 

 " Of social life to different labours urge 

 " The active powers of man, with wise intent 

 " The hand of nature on peculiar minds 

 " Imprints a different bias, and to each 

 " Decrees its province in the common toil." 



talent to a near and dear relative of his own. In forbearing, therefore, 

 from motives of delicacy, to gratify his fraternal partiality, by expatiating 

 on the merits of Mrs. STRUTT, whose works, though mostly published 

 without her name, are yet well known in the literary world, it will be seen 

 that he is consequently under the necessity of being silent with respect 

 to other gifted Ladies, to whose abilities he should otherwise have been 

 preud to avail himself of the present opportunity of paying tribute. 



