the earth, and learnt how man can call its spirit from the chalky deeps for purposes of use or ornament. With Noad, investigated the phenomena of light. With Wheeler, ranged from star to star throughout the immensity of space. With Weld, explored the coasts and channels, creeks and bays of those inhospitable regions which, clustering round the Northern Pole, guard with indomitable tenacity the Western Passage, despite the energy, endurance, and perseverance of the hardiest adventurers. With Pettigrew, examined the internal structure of the microscopic insect. With Scoresby, marvelled at the physical organization of the whole. One voice, which we had hoped to hear, was silent. Severe indisposition postponed for ever Professor Cowper’s explanation of the cotton-mill. Since then, both he and Dr. Mantell have been summoned to their rest. In the one, practical art laments its clearest elucidator; in the other, science mourns her most attractive commentator; in both, the Parochial Institute has sustained a grievous loss. Yet amongst its pleasantest associations must ever rank the recollections of their lectures. The idiomatic phraseology, homeliness of illustration, unaffected delivery, and telling earnestness of Professor Cowper, who by this very ease of manner beguiled you into the idea that you were actually learning _with_ him, not _from_ him, will be blended in the memory with Mantell’s graceful elocution, refined imagery, and enthusiastic love of his favourite study, by the combined force of which he carried his audience with him, and led their thoughts from nature up to nature’s God. Alike disinterested in character, alike confident in the victory of knowledge over ignorance, alike the firm and generous promoters of infant institutions founded to ensure this end, they shone as twin stars in our local firmament, bright examples to the possessors of similar endowments to consecrate their use with the same unostentatious perseverance to the cause of goodness, civilization and truth, bright examples to all as fosterers by personal exertion as well as by pecuniary sacrifice of parochial societies appealing to every moral and patriotic feeling for extension and support. For the many lectures that he delivered in Kensington, Mr. Cowper never accepted any remuneration. Dr. Mantell gave his services for half his customary fee. Not, however, that they are the sole instances of this discriminating benevolence. To Mr. Weld and Dr. Scoresby, the cordial acknowledgments of the Council are equally due and tendered for gratuitous addresses. In contrasting their generous dedication of time, convenience, and ability to the task of popular enlightenment, with the selfish spirit that repudiates whatever is not subservient to personal benefit or gratification, it is impossible to overlook the elevating influence of mental culture. Of all the pleas for indifference to, or withdrawal from