314 
CAETER: MINEEAL AVELLS AT HARROGATE. 
ing places in Europe. The general plateau of Harrogate, elevated 
about 400 feet, and on the westerly side at Harlow Hill to 600 feet 
above the level of the sea, has somewhere (and, perhaps, not 
inaptly) been said to present the highest table-land in Eui'ope. This 
elevation affords very singularly commanding views of the surround- 
ing country, and from the position of Harlow Moor, especially, 
^vhich through the generosity of the Earl of Harewood, is now being 
laid out by the Municipal authorities in most attractive walks and 
drives, an extended landscape may be enjoyed, which in grandeur 
and interest is rarely equalled. The last twenty years — since the 
facihties of access were so much improved — have witnessed a vast 
increase in Harrogate as a place of residence and health-resort. The 
population, which in 1861 was 5,000 to 6,000 is now increased to 
about 11,000, and it is estimated that about 15,000 visitors are add- 
ed to that number in the height of the season. On the &st of Feb- 
ruar}' of the present year, the Royal Charter was granted, and Harro- 
gate now ranks amongst the Incorporated Boroughs of the United 
Kingdom. Thus much for its topography. I must now return for 
a few brief and general observations on the physical aspects of the 
district, which are intended to form the more immediate theme of 
consideration for our present assembly. It is now about half a 
century since geological theory was brought to bear upon Harrogate, 
and the probable origin of its singularly diversified and highly es- 
teemed medicinal springs. Legal controversy had arisen, directly 
bearing on this point ; and it is not without a special degree of interest 
and gratification that I can appeal to that opportunity, of being an eye- 
witness of the presence and researches in Harrogate of the venerated 
William Smith, the accepted father of English geological science, — 
of his accomplished nephew, the late Professor Phillips, and a phalanx 
of eminent geologists and chemists of that day, whose practical 
knowledge and judgment were exercised for the settlement of the 
intricate and not less important questions which were at the moment 
in dispute. The proceedings to which I refer will form an important 
featui-e in the history of Harrogate, and I trust they will constitute a 
beacon in the future, as they have done in the past, for the purpose 
of inspiring protection and conservation to the invaluable treasury 
