14 MEMOIR OF 



country; while the genius and industry which could 

 accomplish so much, must command the lasting re- 

 spect and admiration of those who can appreciate 

 the triumphs of Science. In the evening of his days 

 Mr. Maclure beheld with unmixed pleasure, the pro- 

 gress of Geology in his adopted country: he saw 

 State after State directing Geological surveys under 

 the supervision of zealous and able naturalists: he 

 rejoiced to observe how their observations hamonized 

 with his own ; and it was among his most pleasing 

 reflections, as age and infirmity drew near, that he 

 had once trodden almost solitary and unheeded, that 

 path which is now thronged with votaries of science 

 and aspirants for honour. 



In truth, what among temporal considerations is 

 more remarkable and gratifying than the progress 

 which has been made in elucidating the Geology of 

 this country during the past thirty years? So ex- 

 tended a field, so many obstacles, and so little patron- 

 age, seemed at first view to present insuperable diffi- 

 culties; and it was feared, and not without reason, 

 that while every part of Europe was explored under 

 the patronage of national governments, the vast natu- 

 ral resources of this country would long remain un- 

 searched and unimproved; not for the want of zeal 

 and talent, but from a deficiency of that encourage- 

 ment which is necessary to great and persevering 



