Geographical Society. 295 



>artments of science ; more especially as regards those divisions which 

 ire founded on physical and geological characters, on climate, and 

 on distinctions of the human race, or of language. 



3= A more uniform and systematic orthography than has hitherto 

 been observed, in regard to the names of cities and other objects; 

 and a more precise and copious vocabulary, than we at present pos- 

 sess, of such objects. 



4. The preparation and improvement of road-books for different 

 countries, of gazetteers, and of geographical and statistical tables, 

 and all such matters as are of general utility. 



The Committee cannot take upon itself to pronounce to which, of 

 so many important considerations as have been enumerated, the at- 

 tention of the Society should bejirst directed ; the order of prece- 

 dence must obviously, in some measure, depend on the means 

 rather than the wishes of the Council ; but the Committee are will- 

 ing to hope that, sooner or later, most or all of the subjects mentioned 

 will engage that attention of the Members to which they appear to 

 be fairly entitled ; and that the range of investigation will in no re- 

 spect be less comprehensive than the title of the Society implies. 



In making these observations, which have reference chiefly to facts, 

 the Committee wish, however, to guard themselves against any sup- 

 position, that might be entertained, of their being hostile to theory; 

 or of recommending to the Society to limit the reception of com- 

 munications to such only as are the result of actual observation and 

 experiment. On the contrary, they are fully aware that great benefits 

 have been, and may yet be, derived from speculative geography. 

 Theories that do not involve obvious absurdities or impossibilities, 

 but are supported by reasonable probabilities, may serve as guides 

 to conduct to important discoveries ; by exciting curiosity they sti- 

 mulate inquiry, and inquiry generally leads to truth. Reasonings 

 and suggestions, therefore, in regard to parts of the world deserving 

 of minuter investigation, which are little known, or of which no good 

 account has yet been given, the routes to be observed in examining 

 them, the chief subjects of inquiry, and best modes of overcoming 

 the probable difficulties that may occur in the research, — all these 

 will form proper subjects for admission into the proceedings of the 

 Society. 



And lastly, The Committee having reason to think, that at no 

 great distance of time, the Society will be able to obtain suitable 

 apartments for the reception of books, maps, charts, and instruments, 

 <hey would venture to suggest, that donations of such materials 

 is may tend to the elucidation and extension of geographical science 

 would afford facilities to the attainment of its views. And they are 

 willing to hope that, aided by such means, a library of books and 

 manuscripts on geographical subjects, with a collection of charts and 

 maps, may be formed, that will not be undeserving of public appro- 

 bation and patronage. 



XLVII. In- 



