38 
whether this is so or not, particularly so before we hear the 
Paper, nor indeed afterwards should I undertake with my 
limited knowledge to do so, because we all know that some 
discoveries that have seemed extravagant, and almost impos- 
sible, when first suggested, have been found, when more 
closely investigated, to be well supported. We are also to 
have what, no doubt, w T ill be a most interesting Paper on 
the “ Pre-historic Monuments of Brittany,” by the Eev. W. 
C. Lukis, rector of Wath, near Pipon. This suggests to me 
how much we regret here the absence of the President of this 
Society, Earl de Grey and Pipon, he being occupied in con- 
tinued Cabinet Councils, in which he is determining how this 
country is to be governed (or misgoverned, I will not say 
which, because we here meet with different political opinions), 
but we nevertheless know that he has applied his serious 
mind to grave subjects with the best possible intentions, and 
I hope with the best possible results. The last Paper, I am 
sorry to say, is not to be read ; but instead of it, Mr. John 
Ffooks has sent a request to be made a member of this 
Society. Mr. Walter Bowley, mining engineer, of Leeds; 
Mr. Banks, solicitor, and Mr. J. D. Greaves, mining engineer, 
Wakefield ; also wish to be elected members, to which I have 
no doubt you will assent. It will afford me great gratification 
to receive the names of other members. The subscription is 
of a peculiar character, being 13s. per annum. I have 
suggested to Mr. Denny that it should be made £1, which 
would look more respectable — (laughter) — and I have no 
doubt he would get more money. — The following gentlemen’s 
names were then added: — The Pight Honble. J. Parker, of 
Darrington Hall, Pontefract ; J. H. Barton, Esq., of Staple- 
ton Park, Pontefract ; Edmund Lord, Esq., East Hardwick, 
Pontefract. 
