Geology is a science which owes, not only its inception, but its continued existence largely to its non-professional disciples and lovers. In fact, of the two classes existing at the present time, the ‘amateur’ and the ‘professional,’ it would by no means be difficult to show that the former gave birth to. the latter, and that some of the best living professional geologists have been recruited from the ranks of the amateur class. To a small band of early amateurs we are indebted for the foundation alike of the Geological Society and the Geological Survey in this country.