OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 415 



more rapid process of development. In that case it will be a fair 

 argument that, just as he is in his mental and moral nature, his 

 capacities and aspirations, so infinitely raised above the brutes, so 

 his origin is due to distinct and higher agencies than such as have 

 affected their development." This appears to me to be equivalent 

 to a complete renunciation of the doctrine of Evolution. 



The return of H.M.S. Challenger from her scientific cruise is 

 not one of the least notable events of the year. A general sketch 

 of the results was given in an address by Sir C. Wy ville Thomson, 

 at Glasgow, to the British Association, but it will probably be 

 some time before we get a detailed account of the discoveries and 

 observations made by the distinguished men who formed the 

 scientific staff of the Expedition. 



In this sketch of the Progress of Science in 1876, I have made 

 no mention of the multiplicity of publications on special subjects 

 which have been constantly appearing. I have simply alluded to 

 a few works of general interest which have excited, or are likely 

 to excite, the special attention of the scientific world. 



And now, gentlemen, before I close this address I wish to 

 return again to the subject with which I began it — " The Society." 

 I have already stated that the progress of the Society hitherto has 

 been, as far as useful work is concerned, far beyond my most 

 sanguine expectations ; and that as regards the value and utility, 

 and I may add quantity, of its publications, it would compare 

 favourably with similar societies throughout the world. 



It will not, therefore, be supposed that I in any way seek to 

 disparage what has been clone, if I proceed to point out what we 

 may do, or that I think the study of any branch of Natural History 

 undesirable, because I may desire the field of enquiry to be 

 widened. And there are a good many subjects to which I should 

 like to see more attention paid. It has always seemed to me 

 rather anomalous that a Society named after the most illustrious 

 botanist the world has ever produced, should not have apparently 

 a single working botanist among its members. 



