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science, and for the benefit of the Riding generally. They 
at the same time thought it desirable to collect and record all 
such facts as related not only to geology, but to the operations 
of mining engineering, and archaeological points of interest 
in the Riding. It has now for thirty-seven years held its 
meetings in the princij)al towns, and published volumes of 
its proceedings ; and amongst many other important acts of 
the Society has been that of providing a home for interesting 
specimens of organic remains found in the geological strata 
of the Riding. It has also prepared, and I believe is always 
ready to exhibit, maps, plans, and sections of the various 
coalfields there are in the Riding, and models of the various 
engineering apparatus which have been invented at various 
times. These, therefore, constitute the peculiar claims which 
the Society has upon the Riding, as showing the interest 
which it has taken in its welfare. Of course, it is very 
desirable, in order to keep up the income of the Society and 
the interest among all classes of the Riding, that the number 
of its members should certainly be kept up, if not extended ; 
hence one of the objects of to-day is not only to re- appoint 
the Council for the administration of the afiairs of the Society 
during the present year, but to elect some new members about 
to be proposed. As regards the papers that have to be dealt 
with, the first is by Mr. Mackintosh, the title of which, 
shortly, is, "The Accumulation of the Drift in the "West 
Riding." I understand that this is supposed to be one of 
the most important topics that can possibly be brought before 
the notice of the scientific portion of the inhabitants of the 
Riding, as it is mainly owing to a proper knowledge of such 
strata that we may hope to construct any great public works, 
such as railways and canals, without launching into an 
expense which might have been saved had that knowledge 
been first obtained. I have been told by men of authority 
and experience that vast amounts of money have been lost in 
