478 SIR RODERICK I. MURCHISON'S ADDRESS. [May 25, 1857. 



colonies extend to the Antipodes ; and who have, therefore, more 

 grounds than any other nation, for making themselves well ac- 

 quainted with the surface of the earth, its productions, and 

 inhabitants. I rejoice then to see that our numbers have so in- 

 creased since my last Presidency, that adequate as we then thought 

 the present apartments would prove for our wants, we already find 

 that they will not by any means contain our members. Assisted, 

 however, by Her Majesty's Government with an annual grant for 

 keeping up a public Map Office, and enjoying a good balance at 

 the banker's, there can be no difficulty in remedying this temporary 

 inconvenience ; and when the next Anniversary arrives, I trust 

 that we shall be assembled in halls well adapted to accommodate 

 us, including those ladies also who, following the example of their 

 illustrious countrywoman, Mrs. Somerville,* take a deep interest 

 in geographical science ; for there is nothing more encouraging 

 than to see the fair sex gathering information amongst us, to be 

 by them communicated to the sons of England. 



At the same time, whilst we maintain our popularity, we must 

 render our annual Journal as far as practicable, not merely the 

 exponent of interesting travels, but also the index of the progress of 

 physical and comparative geography strictly so called, since we 

 reckon amongst our associates, men who are competent to realize 

 every wish to which the scientific geographer can aspire. 



In thanking you, Gentlemen, for your friendly support, let me 

 say, in conclusion, that when I undertook to stand in the breach 

 occasioned by the death of my gallant friend Admiral Beechey, I 

 did so under the persuasion that I could not execute more than 

 one session of labour, considering that I had other scientific and 

 official duties to perform. Feeling, however, that I may still be 

 able to serve you for another year, I have, in compliance with your 

 flattering request, consented to retain that which I consider to be 

 as distinguished and useful a post as a man of science can occupy. 



* In announcing that a new edition of Mrs. Somerville's remarkable work on 

 Physical Geography is nbout to appear, I am happy to be able to state, that whilst 

 we are taking measures to secure a permanent meeting-room, the Senate of the 

 University of London and the Council of the Koyal Society have acceded to the 

 request of the Council of our Society, and have granted us the use of the large 

 rooms at Burlington House for our ordinary meetings during the ensuing Session. — 

 July 12, 1857. 



