201 



One more point I should like to be allowed briefly to advert to ; it is this. 

 Can the Woolhope Club do anything to promote the establishment of Science 

 Classes in this city? The importance of technical education, including, of course, 

 instruction in science and scientific jjrocesses, is assuming a greater prominence in 

 the public eye every day, and no long time will probably elapse before practical steps 

 are taken to put it within the reach of the artizan population, if not to enforce it. 

 To teach science badly is worse than not to teach it at all, and we have unfortunate 

 proof of how false and hollow so-caUed scientific teaching can be, how little it can 

 do to develope the intelligence, or to fit the reasoning powers to grapple with 

 scientific problems, in the present treatment of Science as a specific subject in 

 the curriculum of our National Schools. It would be, I cannot but think, a great 

 advantage if anything could be done in the direction I have indicated, and 

 opportunity could be given in such classes as are held elsewhere, for the attain- 

 ment of true scientific method, and sound principle. The question is, can anything 

 be so done? My slight acquaintance with the late Canon Kingsley gave me some 

 opportunity of knowing what a remarkable work he did in developing in the city 

 of Chester a love for, and the pursuit of, science. True, and unhappily so, 

 Kingsleysare scarce. Something might be done by humbler men notwithstanding, 

 and I should be truly glad if we could see our way to lead the van. For this 

 purpose it will give rae the greatest pleasure to confer with any members of more 

 experience than myself if what I have said appears in any way worthy of their 

 reflection. 



And now, gentlemen, I shall trespass on your patience but one minute 

 longer while I offer you my sincere thanks for the indulgence you have shown 

 towards me, and for the very high compliment which you have once more paid 

 me. The invitation to be your President in the first instance was as unexpected 

 on my part, as I am sure it was undeserved by me. Still less was I prepared for 

 the additional, and, I may add, somewhat unusual, honour you have conferred 

 upon me in electing me to the Presidency for the second time. Believe me that, 

 though I am profoundly conscious of my own demerit, a consciousness which is 

 accentuated as I look over the list of the illustrious men whom I succeed, I am 

 equally conscious, as I told you a year ago, of an honest desire to do my best. 



My endeavours 

 Have ever come too short of my desires ; 

 Yet. filled with my abilities. 



The recollection of the kindness with which you accept those efforts, so little as 

 they are, shall never cease to actuate me, as long as my coimection with you and 

 your Society shall Last, and in whatever cap.icity, in constant purpose with the 

 utmost of my power to add to its usefuhu-s- ami to maintain its prosperity. 



