May 26, 1856.] CONCLUSION. 179 



Conclusion. 



I liave now laid before you as nmcli of tlie general outline of the 

 state and progress of Geographical science during the past year, as 

 may be conveniently comprised within the limits of an Address, 

 and I feel satisfied that there is much upon which the Society may 

 be congratulated. The numerous communications made to the 

 Society during the Session from all parts of the globe — the animated 

 and enlightened discussions upon them, which are recorded in our 

 useful periodical, the ' Proceedings,* which has been so successfully 

 started, and the enlarged dimensions which our Journal has attained 

 under the careful editorship of our zealous Secretary, Dr. Norton 

 Shaw — are proofe of the many and fruitful sources whence informa- 

 tion flows to us ; and when we recollect how few of our evening 

 meetings have been passed within these walls without some positive 

 addition to the science we cultivate, we shall be able to comprehend 

 the progress that is continually being made in Geographical research, 

 and the great increase of the general interest which it excites. But 

 it is not in the pages of our records alone, that the full benefits of 

 the Society are seen — the mere facts added, year by year, to our store 

 of knowledge, are but the promise of the successes before us, and of 

 benefits to be derived from our labours. It is impossible to read 

 the list of names enrolled as members of this Society without 

 feeling convinced that its labours are considered valuable to every 

 interest and to men of all professions ; for it is not the geographer 

 alone who will be found thus supporting our efforts : side by side 

 with him stand the politician and the merchant, who regard with 

 deep interest new enterprises opened out for commerce ; and next 

 to him the divine, who foresees in the extension of our science, fresh 

 means of spreading the blessings of Christianity, and its attendant, 

 the civilization of man. And so I might pass on to other professions, 

 all concurring in the same sentiments and interests. In this union 

 of views we cannot but foresee the enlarged success of the Society ; 

 and feel that it is with no exaggerated hopes we may look for- 

 ward to its steady and satisfactory progress, and to its increasing 

 importance and usefulness. 



