6 
with the hope that through us the mental and moral benefits of 
the study of Natural History may become more widely felt. Time 
was when objections were made to our studies, and fears were 
entertained of their tendency. We have passed, or nearly passed, 
through such fears and objections. No one now will talk of the 
danger of Geology, and even Darwinian theories are now seen in 
a better light, whether by supporters or opponents, than was the 
case not long ago ; and therefore surely the desire and the power 
also, perhaps, has increased of spreading the refining tastes and 
pleasures of our science to many beyond our circle. The poet and 
the man of genius are the endowed ones, but we, who listen to 
and enjoy with understanding the results and outpourings of their 
genius, are the blessed ones. They exist for us and we for them 
mutually. So one great privilege and honour of the students of 
Natural Science wiU be found, not only in reckoning in their 
select circle a few successful and gifted observers, but in the fact 
that through their means the enjoyment and the privilege of an 
intelligent admiration of Nature is extended to and shared by 
thousands. May it not be possible, I would suggest, at this 
moment, when popular education is about to take a great stride, 
for us and our kindred Societies to devise and mge some means 
whereby the knowledge and pleasure of Natural History should 
be laid open both to the young and to the intelligent adults of 
our cities and villages. The late Bishop Stanley, when a rector, 
and Professor Henslow in the same position, succeeded to a 
marvel in their country villages in creating a passion for Natural 
Science. Some Clubs olfer prizes to young people to stimulate 
them to the study, and with good effect. I look to our Museum 
and regret to see how little the curiosity which brings numbers 
here on open days is turned to effective account, and as to the 
schools already existing, and about to be called into existence, both 
for juvenile instruction by day, and adult education at night, I 
can only join with Professor Huxley’s regret that popular elemen- 
tary books for such classes are as yet so incurably bad, and that so 
little care is taken that the great works of Nature should be 
properly presented to the quick eye and heart of youth, or the 
