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ILLUSTRATIONS OF 
of its climate at distant periods ; of the past and 
present modes of dress^ architecture, &c. ; all of 
which would concur to the general objects of the 
Society. 
Attention also to the agriculture of the county will 
necessarily be directed by those of our members who 
have it in their power to inform us of the state of the 
soil and the general drainage of the county, and of 
extensive changes in the surface, or the breaking up 
of large pasture lands ; all of which circumstances 
exercise a considerable influence over the state and 
prosperity of different classes of our inhabitants. 
Having now given you as it were a prospect of the 
promised land, it remains for you to determine 
whether you will go in and possess it. A land not 
indeed rich, as that of the Israelites of old, in olive- 
yards and vineyards ; but rich in rewarding us, by 
improving our mental endowments, by purifying our 
affections, and by leading us on to give glory to God, 
and to do good to mankind. Will you then give an 
answer to this question ? Are you ready to take 
your share in endeavouring to carry forward the good 
work in which we have engaged ? I see among you 
many whose talents and acquirements eminently fit 
them for the task ; but are you willing labourers 
in this field of knowledge ? You must remember 
that in the social world, if a man will not work, 
neither can he have food. So it is in the world 
of science. Science gives no reward to idlers ; and 
therefore it signifies not your having the ability,^ 
