315 



ANNUAL REPORT 



OF THE 



SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTION, 1830. 



Aware, as the Members are, of the recent establishment and 

 limited resources of the Institution, they will not anticipate in our 

 report a record of extensive researches, or eminent discovery. 

 We can only congratulate ourselves on a prosperous commence- 

 ment of an interesting experiment, and on having a cheering 

 prospect of success in the objects we contemplated. The Mem- 

 bers have great reason for satisfaction in the general interest 

 wherewith the Institution and its operations have been wel- 

 comed; and in the cordiality and effect wherewith its proceed- 

 ings have been carried on. We may anticipate that the aid and 

 countenance we require, will flow from wider and more abun- 

 dant sources as our object becomes more fully apprehended, 

 and as increasing numbers in society come to feel the benefit 

 and gratification of affording and imbibing knowledge ; and that 

 confidence in our proceedings will increase, according as our 

 efficiency for useful purposes augments with our experience. 



Though we have met with some slight difficulties, we trust it 

 will be concluded, that what we have gained is more than com- 

 mensurate with the trouble and expense entailed upon each one. 

 The pledge which we have given will be very inadequately 

 redeemed, if we allow small difficulties to deter us. And when 

 we remember how many great and important things there are 

 tending to the benefit of this our country, to the accomplish- 

 ment of which we may advance effectually, though we advance 

 slowly, we will feel that a very imposing claim for our perse- 

 verance arises not only from what we have promised or attempt- 

 ed, but from the ease and certainty with which we may reach 

 their accomplishment. The Institution will still look for efforts 

 from its Members, well directed and unwearied as hitherto, that 

 we may repay, according to our ability, our debt of gratitude 

 to other lands for the knowledge they afford us, and may be 

 accelerating the period when more abundant sources of informa- 

 tion shall be opened and resorted to in our own. 



The Institution entered as early as possible into correspon- 

 dence with such individuals in the country districts, as seemed 

 likely, from their talents and situation, to have opportunities of 

 promoting its designs. We have thus endeavoured to originate 

 the interest in our procedure, and to spread widely the agency, 

 through means of which success is most to be anticipated. We 

 have the satisfaction to record our experience of the benefit of 

 this measure, and have every reason to rest in the conviction 

 that the demand which we have made on the attention of our 

 fellow colonists, will be abundantly answered, by our securing, 



