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 imper- 

 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 common cause to sustain, and an interest as well as fel- 

 low-feeling in sustaining one another. Let discussion be as free 

 as air ; and let every man keep his mind open to conviction ; — 

 but American 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 diffi- 

 cult to interfere with one another ; and all of them, I doubt not, 

 would welcome other laborers, to aid in gathering the abundant 

 harvest. 



I make 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 favor of 

 government, and the just estimation in which the community are 

 beginning to hold our favorite science. But there are con- 

 siderations of a much 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 its 

 votaries, facts and inferences of most thrilling interest. How 

 eagerly does the antiquary unroll the newly discovered papyrus, 

 that reveals an earlier chapter in a nation's history, or the exist- 



