169 
when he has surmounted the highest point he could see from the 
valley, still finds other heights towering far above—so I see less 
chance than ever of being freed from my labours. Or rather, and 
more truly, let me say, I see more hope than ever, that so long as it 
may please God to use my services, there will be palpably more and 
more to be done. 
The work of establishing Reformatories through the length and 
breadth of the land is indeed finished. Nay, more! Not only is the 
tree planted, but the fruit is ripening The numbers of boys con- 
victed throughout England is greatly diminished. But if we take 
the particular towns where they have been able to send to Refor- 
matories every boy on a second conviction, the decrease is large 
indeed. I have now little doubt that, with our present Reformatories, 
we can not only keep all England, except London, clear of regular 
boy-thieves; but that ere next Christmas we can commence taking 
the worst of those of London, and if so, I have little doubt that we 
can produce a strong impression, in three years, even on the crime 
of the Metropolis. But then comes the great and important question 
of doing the same for adults. Forgive me, my dear friends, that I 
have been so long talking of my own shop matters. I meant merely 
to have explained why my time was more than heretofore occupied 
by other pursuits, and my pen has run away with me. 
To return. I have long felt that I was unsuited for the office of 
your President. I now feel happy to think that you may, if you 
please, place that office in the hands of one—who both by rank and 
position, still more by high attainments and knowledge not only of 
one, but of many branches of that glorious study which we meet to 
eultivate—will do honour to your choice. 
And now, my friends, I bid you not farewell, for I trust that 
my attendance at your meetings will not be more rare, and certainly 
my interest in the Club will not be diminished, but I beg you to 
let me resign the office of your President, only that it may pass into 
hands which will carry out more worthily and fitly (than I was ever 
able to do) the true objects of the Cotteswold Club. 
