ch other,
and ultimately lead to important conclusions. The continuance of these
discussions evidently depends on the taste, the temper, and the good
sense of the speakers. The things to be avoided are chiefly verbal
criticisms--praise of each other beyond its reasonable limits, and
contest for victory. This latter is, perhaps, the most important of the
three, both for the interests of the Society and of truth. With regard
to the published volumes of their Transactions, it may be remarked,
that if members were in the habit of communicating their papers to the
Society in a more finished state, it would be attended with several
advantages; amongst others, with that of lightening the heavy duties of
the officers, which are perhaps more laborious in this Society than in
most others. To court publicity in their accounts and proceedings,
and to endeavour to represent all the feelings of the Society in the
Council, and to avoid permanent Presidents, is a recommendation not
peculiarly addressed to this Society, but would contribute to the
well-being of all.

Of the Astronomical Society, which, from the nature of its pursuits,
could scarcely admit of the discussions similar to those of the
Geological, I shall merely observe, that I know of no secret which has
caused its great success, unless it be attention to the maxims which
have just been stated.

On the Zoological Society, which affords much rational amusement to the
public, a few hints may at present suffice. The largeness of its income
is a frightful consideration. It is too tempting as the subject for
jobs, and it is too fluctuating and uncertain in its amount, not to
render embarrassment in the affairs of the Society a circumstance likely
to occur, without the greatest circumspection. It is most probable, from
the very recent formation of this Institution, that its Officers and
Council are at present all that its best friends could wish; but it
is still right to mention, that in such a Society, it is essentially
necessary to have men of business on the Council, as well as persons
possessing extensive knowledge of its pursuits. It is more dangerous
in such a Society than in any other, to pay compliments, by placing
gentlemen on the Council who have not the qualifications which are
requisite; a frequent change in the members of the Council is desirable,
in order to find out who are the most regular attendants, and most
qualified to conduct its business. Publicity in its