104 the president's address. 



the increasing wants of civilization, and the effects of competition, 

 will undoubtedly leave us far behind in the race of progress. 



We should do well ever to bear in mind the words of one well 

 qualified to speak on such a subject : — " The progress of science and 

 industry in countries which have reached a certain stage of civiliza- 

 tion, ought actually to be synonymous expressions ; and hence it 

 follows, that it is essentially the policy of a nation to promote the 

 one which forms the springs for the action of the other." 



If, then, we desire to see our country attain that position, which 

 its boundless natural advantages, if properly turned to account, en- 

 title it to assume, let us use our best exertions that this Institute 

 may become the channel for the diffusion of the fullest information 

 as to our peculiarities of soil and climate, our agricultural and min- 

 eral productions, and our means of internal communication and im- 

 provement ; and, while uniting together in a common bond all who 

 possess a taste for literature or science, may more especially prove 

 the means of fostering those studies and enquiries which are not 

 only of vital importance in enlarging and strengthening the mental 

 powers of those who engage in them, but must also have a directly 

 practical effect upon the progress and advancement of the country to 

 which we belong. 



And now, gentlemen, allow me, in conclusion, to thank you for 

 the honor you have conferred upon me, in electing me as your Pre- 

 sident. The only drawback to the pleasure and gratification which I 

 feel in having been honored by your choice on this occasion, is the 

 consciousness of my want of ability, as compared with those who 

 have preceded me in the occupation of this chair, worthily to fill so 

 honorable a post, and I can only suppose that a deep interest in the 

 welfare of the Society, and an earnest desire (which I trust I have 

 always exhibited) to further its objects and promote its advancement, 

 have been kindly accepted by you in lieu of many higher qualifications 

 which I feel to be wanting in me for this important office. 



I have reason to congratulate the Institute that its Yice Presidents 

 and the members of the Council are gentlemen whose talents and 

 acquirements well qualify them for sustaining the reputation of the 

 Society, and I trust that under their able direction the Institute 

 may continue to make as rapid progress as it has hitherto done, and 

 attracting to itself the undivided support of the learning and science 

 of the Province, may continue to attest that the intellectual progress 

 of Canada is ever keeping pace with her rapid advancement in mate- 

 rial prosperity. 



