34 
Plants, with the exception of ‘some cryptogamic tribes, 
especially among the fungi, require light almost as much 
as air; that is, after they have germinated, for light in that 
stage of their growth is unfavourable. 
I might now, in connexion with the growth of plants, 
turn to the consideration of light, electricity, and temper- 
ature, as connected with them, but that would occupy too 
much time; and I hope I have gone far enough to prove to 
you the advantages of not studying Natural History, as an 
insulated science, and that as far as lies in your power, you 
should gain a knowledge of various other branches of Phil- 
osophy. I would therefore recommend to the Society, that 
they should give every reasonable facility in their power to 
any person of respectability, good character, and proper 
qualifications, who would wish to deliver lectures within 
their walls. The more indeed which we can do for the 
diffusion of knowledge in general, the more will be our 
usefulness to the public and to ourselves; and with this 
opinion firmly impressed on my mind, I must say, that if 
one part of the Report of the Curators gave me more plea- 
sure than another, it was that which related to the giving 
of public lectures, and to which ladies may obtain admit- 
tance. 
I will now detain you no longer, Gentlemen, than by 
making one or two observations on a subject in which I 
feel a very deep interest.—I allude to the state of the fine 
arts in this town. Little, indeed, has been done to encou- 
rage their progress; and though we have painters of high 
talent, there never yet, I believe, has been an exhibition of 
their works. Your noble room up stairs, when completed, 
would answer admirably for such a purpose; and I doubt 
not, that on your guaranteeing the safety of the pictures, 
