xxxviii Proceedings, &c. 



" will ever be remembered in this Society, and which are only the 

 " echo of sentiments entertained for you by our community. 



" Though surrounded by the multifarious duties your position 

 " as Her Majesty's Representative involved, you have never ceased 

 " to be animated by an ardent desire to promote scientific inquiries 

 " in this country, and have been prompted to accept. for a series 

 " of years the Presidency of this Society, in order to direct its 

 " researches, and to foster, by your participation in its labours, all 

 " its objects and its usefulness. 



" The learned and graceful addresses by you from the chair, 

 " will not readily be obliterated from our memory ; whilst the cordial 

 " reception given by you to distinguished men of science who visited 

 " our shores, reminds us of the patronage which you extended to all 

 " scientific inquiries, not only here, but also in those countries over 

 " which you previously ruled. 



" The Committee, charged with the direction of the Expedition 

 " to explore the interior of Australia, owe much to your counsels and 

 " unwearied attention ; for although you shared not the responsibility 

 " of the Exploration Committee, you were ever ready, when needed, 

 " to afford your valuable advice and assistance. 



" You will, with pride remember, that whilst you held the 

 u office of our President, the first pathway has been opened across 

 " the Australian continent, by the heroic daring and perseverance of 

 " the leader of that expedition, and by the skilful aid of his lamented 

 " and faithful companions, an achievement materially promoted by 

 " your zealous interest in the advancement of Australian geography. 



" We entertain a pleasing recollection of the dignified courtesy 

 " with which you presided over the meetings of this Society, and we 

 " are proud of your assurance, that, though you may be far removed, 

 " we shall continue to enjoy your kind interest and sympathy, and 

 " that you will not cease to identify yourself with our labours and 

 11 progress. 



(Signed) " By the Members of Council. 



" Hall of the Royal Society, 

 31st August, 1 863." 



His Excellency replied as follows : — 



" Mr. Vice-President and Gentlemen, 



" I am much obliged to the members of the Royal Society of Victoria 

 " for this mark of their appreciation of the interest I have taken in their 

 " proceedings from the time of my arrival in the Colony, and the 

 " attention I have paid to their affairs since I became their President, 

 "nearly four years ago. I have always considered it one of a 

 " Governor's most important duties to support such institutions, and 

 " to foster by every means in his power scientific pursuits, not merely 



