272 Address before the Association’ of American Geologists. 
You perceive, therefore, gentlemen, that in the work which we 
have undertaken, we are urged forward by powerful motives ;— 
and although much has been done, still more remains to be ac- 
complished. Indeed, the enterprise is as yet only just begun. 
Even when the state surveys are completed, there will be abun- 
_ dant opportunity to gather fresh laurels in the same field. For, 
then the way will be prepared to go into particular districts, un- 
incumbered by horses and carriages, and spending time enough 
there on foot, fully to explore and understand their structure; a 
work, which can hardly be done, except in a few instances, du- 
ring the limited time devoted to the state surveys. A multitude 
of points in our geology, also, are yet only dimly seen, or impet- 
fectly.settled. In fixing these, and developing new discoveries, 
there will arise differences of opinion, and we may expect to fall 
into frequent perplexities and mistakes. But let not such differ- 
ences generate distrust and alienation, among those who have an 
important comrhon cause to sustain, and an interest as well as fel- 
low-feeling i in sustaining one another. Let discussion be as free 
as air; and let every man keep his mind open to conviction ;— 
but anette geologists, above all other scientific men, have no 
time for personal altercation. They have too great a work before 
them ; they are scattered over so vast a field, that it will be difli- 
cult to interfere with one another ; and all of them, I doubt not, 
would welcome other laborers, to aide in gathering the amen 
harvest 
I aii these remarks, not because I have observed among our 
geologists. any peculiar tendency to alienation and controversy, 
but because I have witnessed the reverse ; and, therefore, such 
-remarks may have some influence in preserving them from those 
jealousies and personal altercations that have too often broken up 
the harmony of scientific associations. 
_ As motives to continued exertion I have mentioned the arora 
government, and the just estimation in which the c 
beginning to hold our favorite. science. But there are ae 
siderations of a mueh more elevated character, to urge onward 
the genuine student of nature. The cultivation of this science 
carries with it its own reward, It is continually disclosing to 1's 
votaries, facts and inferences of most thrilling interest. How 
eagerly does the antiquary unroll the newly discovered papyt™S 
that reveals an earlier chapter in a nation’s history, or the exist 
