276 JOURNAL OF THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
their ability, and by their learning and their industry, to the dis- 
cussion of most interesting and useful questions touching, as you 
have observed, the Natural History, and not the Natural History 
only, but the Social and Political History of these towns, and also 
such questions of Art and Science as have special interest to us 
in their connection with these towns and the neighbourhood. In 
this way the volumes of the Transactions of this Society have be- 
come a store of almost unrivalled value for the illustration of the 
Physical, the Political, the Social, the Ecclesiastical, and the 
Artistic History of these Three Towns ; and in contributing to this 
result, the members have associated themselves most intimately 
with the welfare of the town at large. But it is not only by labours 
such as these — by these learned efforts, and by these interesting and 
valuable papers which have been published from time to time — but 
it is still more by the very existence and cordial work of such a 
Society as this, that the whole tone of social life in the town is 
raised and elevated, and that we are saved from degenerating, as we 
are apt to do, into some monotonous level of life, without high 
objects, high aims, and high endeavours — a life from which we may 
be lifted, and from which we are most surely lifted, by the most 
purifying and elevating influences of Art and Science. It is this 
influence which this Society has so continuously and successfully 
diffused throughout this locality ; and while we find among the 
members whom the President has mentioned men who have 
achieved a national, and some even a European reputation, 
there are also men who are not so widely known, but who have 
done most valuable work in the education of this neighbourhood ; 
in educating themselves, and in educating their fellow-members and 
associates in this Institution ; and in rendering most valuable help 
to our enjoyment of high social and intellectual life so cultivated 
here. In this respect this Institution has from the beginning done 
a most valuable service to the town and neighbourhood. In this 
respect I believe with you, Mr. President, and venture earnestly to 
hope, that the Museum which is to be opened this day will lend 
still more valuable service to present and future students of Science 
and Art ; for I cherish the hope that the Art Gallery also may 
be speedily and greatly increased. And while doing that, I trust 
this Institution will continue to afford to those who belong to it 
a means of pleasant, elevating, and refined enjoyment. 
The President : We hope to be favoured with the company of 
