108 SECTIONAL ADDRESSES 
that we have the assemblage, the testing and the analysis of facts, with 
a unified direction and a definite practical aim, which amply respond 
to the definition of ascience. And to the three criteria which the ordinary 
man expects science to satisfy, geography presents a ready face. As 
a training for the intellect, it does not rely on balances, test-tubes, 
mathematical formule, and the like; but it answers Dr. Whitehead’s 
desideratum in being a process of measuring rather than of classifying ; 
and it is an adequate school for exact observation and wise deduction. 
As a contribution to the solacing spirit of humanity, its work in removing 
misunderstandings between peoples and forestalling friction may become 
increasingly valuable. And as a mental equipment it yields to none of 
the kindred branches of knowledge. Apart from its importance to the 
traveller and the student of international affairs, it is essential to the 
economist. Not less so to the historian; you have only to compare 
Trevelyan’s account of Marlborough’s campaigns with most other narra- 
tives of the same events, in order to see how an acute appreciation of the 
geographical setting of warfare is powerful to convert arid prose into a 
living picture. Lastly, without geography the statesman is liable to 
grievous error; and it is indispensable knowledge to the practical 
industrialist and the planner of big business. 
Feeling as we do on the subject, can we expedite the advancement of 
geography to its proper place in our educational system? It was for the 
purpose of evoking discussion on that question that I ventured on this 
address, speaking as one who learned nothing about geography in youth, 
and who realises the handicap. Since Oxford and Cambridge formally 
recognised the subject forty years ago great strides have been made. 
Perhaps the most encouraging advance is the growing attention to regional 
studies, to what Dr. Bryan calls the cultural landscape. It is a landscape, 
as he shows us, upon which each one of us looks out every morning of our 
lives ; and its very familiarity may have led in the past to its neglect. 
But on the steady advancement of this regional work, if we can only get its 
methods properly taught, will depend the future of the science. Mean- 
while the foundations for it have to be laid in the elementary and secondary 
schools, and it is here that we still find blind spots in the national outlook 
on the advantages of the systematic teaching of geography on modern 
lines. Ata recent exhibition held in this city a remarkable demonstration 
was given of the remedies which are being applied ; and in other directions, 
especially in the admirable character of some of our newer text-books, 
there are signs of better things coming. The time is ripe for a combined 
forward move ; is it possible for our meeting here to provide the necessary 
stimulus ? 
In conclusion, may I offer this Section E my most grateful thanks for 
the high honour they have done me in electing me their President for the 
year, and my heartfelt apologies for the poverty of my response. 
