6 ANNUAL MEETING. 



most plausible, so far as my knowledge, which is so limited, can judge 

 of ... . Thus I feel what a privilege it is for me to belong to an 

 Institute in which science and belief in Divine inspiration are not 

 considei'ed to be divorced, much less antagonistic and contradictory. 



" What a field lies before the members, in the more accurate study of 

 ethnology, physical geography, geology, as elucidating the former coast 

 lines and orographical conditions ; the Tertiary constitution and con- 

 formation of the bed of the then existing seas (which study I ventured to 

 propose to style Thallasaography) ; ancient history of the most ancient races, 

 as it were but now unearthed, after lying buried for a score or two of 

 centuries ! The choice of the subjects, taken in general, appears to me 

 to be extremely wise, and moreover to be such as to interest me in most 

 cases ; since the very varied studies converge to one grand centre. Few 

 Transactions of general academics give such little trouble to the single 

 student in picking and choosing such memoirs as may be useful to him 

 individually. They are all rich materials for thought." 



8. Conclusion. 



In conclusion the Council desires to express its thankful- 

 ness for the success thus far of the Institute. The 

 importance of the work it endeavours to cany on has been 

 recognized by the loyal support from its Members in all 

 lands. There are few civilized countries in which our 

 Transactions are not to be found, not only in Europe, but in 

 India, Australia, Africa, N. America and Canada, while at 

 home it has the support of men eminent in every walk 

 of life, and the Council would Avelcome fresh Members, and 

 ofifers of subjects for reading and discussion. 



Signed on behalf of the Council, 



G. G. STOKES, 



PresidenL 



