4 ANKITERSAET ADDRESS. 



tlemen distinguished for tlieir attainments and recognized posi- 

 tion in tlie fields of science in other Colonies, who would not so 

 willingly have joined our Society had they not been assured that, 

 in so doing, they become members of a body that has in itself 

 not only some vitality, but is active and vigorous. 



As our foreign associates have conferred some dignity upon us, 

 let us not forget that we are expected to show that we do not 

 forget our obligations to them and to ourselves. 



Thinking over what I am satisfied would be wise and profitable, 

 and what may perhaps not be very difficult to obtain, I propose 

 to you to apply for a Charter. It may be true that at present 

 we have very little property ; and if that is a fatal objection, the 

 wish for incorporation may at this moment be premature. 



But the most renowned of Societies in GTreat Britain had as 

 small a beginning as our own ; and its incorporation has made it 

 an institution in the land to which it is now reckoned a chief honor 

 to belong ;* and in a less degree, but measured in proportion to 

 the smallness of the population of this country, elections to our 

 Society would be then considered not so much a mere temporary 

 contribution to our treasury, as a significant token of respect for 

 such as are " wise in their generation," and anxious for its 

 advancement. 



Placing before you, gentlemen, this suggestion for your further 

 consideration, I would now appeal to you on a subject which is 

 equally deserving of attention, and which is wholly in your power, 

 whatever becomes of support from without. 



* When this allusion to the Royal Society of London was made, the author 

 of the Address did not know that he had been selected by the Council of that 

 Society for election to a Fellowship, which took place on 1st June, a fortnight 

 after the deUvery of the Address. This circumstance would not here be 

 noticed in this place were it not (as afterwards transpired), that one of tlie 

 grounds of recommendation for election was the following : — 



'' 4. Important part taken in the re-founding of the Royal Society of New 

 South Wales, and in the promotion of scientific knowledge in the Colony." 



It may be satisfactory to the members of this Society to have thus shared 

 in the honor conferred on one of their members, and to have such evidence 

 of the interest taken in our proceedings by the leading Society in England. 



