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 intelligent men such subjects as geology, mineralogy, the use of the blowpipe, the chemistry of minerals, the extraction of metals from their ores. The men are there thirsting for this kind of knowledge. They at present present the saddening spectacle of standing together in clubs, with funds subscribed for procuring chemicals, books, and apparatus, but with no one left to teach them the use of these appliances. There was never a better opportunity offered to any Government, or University authorities, of providing suitable means of instruction to so large a number of earnest students eager to receive it. And no body of students will make a better or more direct and immediate use of the instruction provided for them.

"Such instruction, if liberally provided, will convert very many of these miners into most intelligent prospectors, since they will then be able to identify a valuable ore when they find it (which is not the case at present). The country will reap a thousandfold in the development of its wonderful mineral resources any expenditure judiciously made in this direction.

"It is important that help to these clubs come soon if it is to come at all. It is much easier to keep them going now than it will be to resuscitate them again if they are allowed to die for lack of support. I need not say that it will give myself the greatest pleasure to take an active part during the summer holidays in carrying on the