The Geographical Journal (Journal of the Royal Geographical Society): Volume X, No. 6 [‎87r] (26/186)

The
Geographical Journal.
No. 6. DECEMBER, 1897. Vol. X.
THE PRESIDENT’S OPENING ADDRESS, NOVEMBER 8, 1897 .
During the recess geographers and explorers have not been idle. Pro
gress has been made and good work has been done in several directions,
to which it becomes my duty to allude in opening the present session.
The most important step taken by the Council has been the resolution
to grant diplomas to students who had gone through a complete course
under Mr. Coles. This measure has already had an excellent effect on
our system of instruction, and I have no doubt that the diploma will be
very highly valued, and sought for by increasing numbers of candidates.
Its possessor will, if his ambition leads him either to active work in
the field or to the equally useful labours connected with literature and
education, find that our diploma will often serve him in good stead.
Our graduates will be included in the list of referees.
The gigantic task of making a classified catalogue of our library is
at length so far completed that the tickets are all arranged in conti
nents, Asia is arranged in countries and has been used by Fellows, and
Europe is quite completed, and has been much used tor reference. ('ards
for all works and periodicals of the last five years are kept complete and
ready for the use of readers. The whole number of title-cards is 71,735.
The execution of such a vast undertaking involves much thought, as
well as hard work, and reflects great credit on Dr. Mill, our librarian,
and on Mr. Heawood, his assistant in this task.
Before passing on to the work of our explorers, I must dwell on the
loss we have sustained by the death of Sir Rutherford Alcock. I was
his colleague on the Council for a period of twenty years, and had good
reason to know how anxious he always was to further the best interests
of our Society. Judicious, patient, and courteous, he was esteemed by
us all, and his able advice helped us out of many a difficulty. Ihe
No. VI.— December, 1897.] 2 q