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The occasion of the Annual Address before the Institute, is 

 a proper one for reviewing the past and for anticipating the fu- 

 ture. The course of remark which I propose to myself at this 

 time, however, will not allow me to dwell on the spent labours 

 of this learned body. The results of those labours are on re- 

 cord. They are incorporate with the period. They are al- 

 ready of the substance of that imperishable history — the most 

 important of all — the history of the human mind. The dis- 

 advantages under which they have been achieved, and the li- 

 mited means enjoyed, will not be forgotten; and the Institute 

 may point to what has been accomplished, not merely without 

 reproach, but with just and honest pride. A library has been 

 formed, a museum has been established, and the transactions 

 of the society have been published. These transactions will 

 show with what spirit its members have entered a wide field 

 of entei^rize. It will be found that they have not been dis- 

 posed to content themselves even with the full possession of the 

 paternal territories, the ample inheritances of knowledge. Al- 

 ready, in their brief time, have successful incursions been made 

 into distant provinces; sometimes to explore regions often v-isit- 

 ed but little understood ; sometimes penetrating to higher and 

 almost unattempted latitudes; and always bringing back con- 

 tributions which have added actual riches to the general trea- 

 sury of science and learning. In the mean time, the society, 

 looking steadily forward, has applied itself faithfully, in the 

 collection of books, specimens and apparatus, to the enlarge- 

 ment and supply of its depot of provision and materiel for the 

 prosecution of deeper study and of more extended discovery. 



But while it would not be unbecoming in me, as a recent 

 member of the Institute, and one who has contributed nothing 

 ■ 3 prosperity, to speak of what it has done in terms of high 

 ' make the past the theme of my discourse, 

 shaU not indulge in so grateful an employment. My 



