Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/39

 since the matter was first mooted, I think that fact alone shews that a great deal of interest is felt in the objects which those who first moved in it had at heart.

And the time is a propitious one for many reasons. I will only mention one. The opening of the Native States has placed a small band of Englishmen within reach of some of the least known parts of the Peninsula. I am happy to say that every one of the Residents has joined us, and several of the other officers who are stationed with them. Some of these gentlemen are already well known for their extensive research in some of the questions that are most interesting to us. And every one of them has a grand opportunity of acquiring large stores of information, and of facilitating the acquisition of it by others. I should think it must be an encouragement and a solace to men living in the isolated positions in which they are placed, to feel that the results of their labour and observation need not be consigned to the respectable oblivion of blue-books, but may be communicated at once to a sympathizing and appreciative public.

Another means by which the Society is to work is by the monthly General Meetings, of which this is the first. At these meetings some of the papers communicated to the Society will be read, and the subjects of them discussed. Gatherings of this kind, for purely intellectual purposes, are rather a new feature in our Colonial life, and I think a most desirable one; and we may hope that the conversations we shall have here will tend to keep up an interest in the proceedings, and perhaps set some of us upon studying subjects which we have neglected before.

The Journal is of course the chief instrument by the help of which the work we have in hand is to be attempted. It is proposed, for the present, to publish a number every six months, beginning in July next. The number of contributions already promised shews that we are not for the present, at all events, likely to be short of matter; and if the supply should continue as abundant as it promises to be the CommiteeCommittee [sic] may think it right to try a more frequent issue. But that of course must depend very much upon the reception which the first number meets with. For however learned, and however enthusiastic the Society may be, it will not be able to express its learning, or give vent to its ardour in paper and printer's ink without funds.

The last feature of the scheme is the Library. It is proposed to make a small and very special collection of the books which are the best authorities upon these countries, and which will be guides to students, and helps to collectors. It may perhaps be