416 
POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
“ a man is never a prophet in his own country,” for on the 28tli of October, 
at the distribution of prizes, he and iris students reaped their several re- 
wards ; and we feel sure that the reception he met with from his townsmen 
will induce Mr. Tate to renew his efforts in the excellent cause in which 
he is embarked. “ There was a large and fashionable attendance on the 
occasion,” and all that art and nature could effect in the way of decoration 
was done to render the meeting attractive. 
The leading people of Belfast attended ; and we are very glad to see 
amongst those who were present the name of Wyville Thomson, Esq., a 
Professor of Queen’s College, Belfast, and one of the editors of the 
Natural History Review. We select the name of this gentleman, who is 
personally unknown to us, because we think that much of the success of 
the movement depends upon the countenance and encouragement which it 
receives from men who hold his position in the scientific world, and who 
support the movement for its own sake, and for the promulgation of 
scientific knowledge. Professor Thomson is one of the committee of the 
Belfast classes. 
At the prize distribution Mr. Herdman, the secretary, stated that Mr. 
Tate has “ certificates in six out of seven subjects, in which the Depart- 
ment grants them,” and that “ the Department considered him the best 
teacher they have.” 
Perhaps the most interesting portion of the ceremony was, however, 
the distribution of prizes ; for we believe we never read so large an amount 
of good common sense compressed into a small space, as that uttered by 
Mr. R. Davidson, the prize distributor. Without pretending to possess 
scientific attainments himself, this gentleman, who appears to be ad- 
vanced in years, and to have learnt to appreciate the value of science, 
expressed fully the views of the laity concerning the rational pursuit of 
this branch of knowledge ; and the “ puerile objections ” raised by “ weak 
and narrow minds ” to its prosecution on theological grounds. 
We really believe that this crusade against the enemies of science 
(which is becoming so general that we can hardly take up a report of any 
scientific meeting without finding in it the onslaught of some belted 
knight) will soon become fashionable, and we may hope that then many 
hearts will be turned, and science schools will be in great request, and 
become “ paying concerns.” What a prospect for science teachers ! We 
trust they will keep an eye upon all individual changes of sentiment in 
this respect and charge accordingly. 
Mr. Davidson mentioned that eight young ladies have received rewards 
for merit, and we believe they belonged chiefly to the middle classes. 
We shall be glad to record the names and achievements of those who 
take out teachers’ certificates, and establish “ Science Classes for Female 
Students.” 
Postscript. — On page 81 (“ Popular Science Review” No. 5) we omitted 
to mention amongst the “ most successful schools and classes,” those 
at Glasgow, Salford, and Haslingden. We hope the conductors of 
these classes will pardon the inadvertent omissions, and as we have already 
stated, we shall be very glad to give publicity to any communications 
which are likely to benefit classes about to be, or already established. 
