Science and Progress in the South. 55 



1. As already suggested, a fundamental feature of a Society 

 like this is to correlate and to stimulate the efforts of those inter- 

 ested in Science. By the interchange of views through papers 

 and discussions and by the inspiration that comes through per- 

 sonal contact and association, enthusiasm will be aroused which 

 goes far to overcome the inertia of dull routine and to ward off 

 the insiduous approach of indifference to the weal or woe of the 

 other man. 



2. The influence of the Academy should be exerted (1) in 

 the support of the present Geological Survey, both by encourage- 

 ment to its achievements and by urging upon the authorities the 

 importance of ample financial support. And (2) of urging the 

 establishment, as opportunity offers, of other enterprises, such 

 as a Biological Survey of the State, a State Conservation Com- 

 mission, whose functions shall be to provide for the conservation 

 of the material and human resources of the State, including the 

 waterpowers, forests, minerals, and other resources and condi- 

 tions affecting the material and social welfare of the people ; and 

 other like enterprises. 



3. Another and equally important phase of Academy work 

 should be the promotion of education, and especially of science 

 teaching in the public schools. The great awakening to the im- 

 portance of education in these last years brings with it profound 

 responsibilities as to the character of the work done in the schools 

 and the provisions made to meet the demands for the best results. 

 In view of previous conditions, it will not be strange if the au- 

 thorities fail to recognize the paramount importance of providing 

 not only a sufficient number of thoroughly educated teachers of 

 science, but the equipment necessary for the proper handling of 

 the work. About the last thing that the ordinary school officer 

 realizes is that in order to give the proper kind of instruction, 

 fewer pupils and classes should be assigned to the teacher of 

 science than to the teacher of almost any other branch. 



It should be the privilege of the Academy to stand for better 

 equipment and for the best teaching of science in the schools. 

 To this end, I would suggest that there be joint meetings of the 

 Academy and the high school teachers of science for the consid- 

 eration of the best methods of science instruction and the stimu- 

 lation of a zeal for the best results? 



