316 
and systematic record of the geological features presented 
during the progress of the works, and in other cases, where 
such details have been carefully measured and preserved, 
they have not been reduced to that uniformity of scale and 
colour which is indispensably necessary for an extensive 
series of sections of this description. To societies like the 
present, considerations of this kind cannot be too strongly 
urged or too often repeated, since it is only by the co- 
operation of numerous and influential parties that great 
public objects can be effected. At first sight, it may appear 
of comparatively small importance whether such details are 
kept or not, and it is very possible that in certain cases it 
may be difficult to foresee any practical inconvenience or 
loss as likely to result from the want of the particular 
information afforded by accurate sections. This may be 
the case under certain circumstances ; but my object is now 
to show, that, as a system, the preservation of detailed 
drawings of railway cuttings, and of borings and sinkings, 
is of great importance ; that it not only furnishes inform- 
ation of the greatest value in a scientific point of view, 
but is intimately connected with our national prosperity, and 
the continuance of our greatness both as an agricultural 
and commercial nation. I shall endeavour to impress on 
the minds of those present, and of all who take any interest 
in our proceedings, that there is an intimate connection 
between geological science and the prosperity of all nations 
which depend as much as we do on the subterranean pro- 
ducts of the earth ; that not only individuals, but commu- 
nities, may be greatly benefited by a due regard to the 
practical results of science; and that the laws of physical 
science are never neglected without a corresponding injury 
to those whose pursuits require attention to the phenomena 
of nature. More particularly is it my object to show that 
extensive railway cuttings in mineral districts are instruc- 
