148 MEETING OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION 



the practicability of the scheme, as far as regarded the stowage 

 of a sufficient quantity of coals, and the inexpediency of attempting 

 a direct voyage to New York,) as the supply of fuel would only ad- 

 mit of a run of 2080 miles,) observed the question then became a 

 geographical one as to the best mode of accomplishing the voyage. 

 There were two ways which might be proposed ; one, to make 

 the Azores an intermediate station, and to proceed from thence to 

 New York : the other would be to proceed to some point in New- 

 foundland, and make that an intermediate station ; the distance 

 from Bristol to the Azores is 1300 miles, and from the Azores to 

 New York 2400 miles, being 20 per cent, more than the steam 

 limit he had mentioned. There was a point called Sidney, in Cape 

 Breton, where there were coal mines, worked to a profit by Messrs. 

 Rundell and Bridge — but then, that was 2300 miles ; but if we 

 took our final departure from some place upon the western coast of 

 Ireland, and there charge the vessel with coals, the distance to Syd- 

 ney would be only 1900 miles. The railroad system might be esta- 

 blished in Ireland, which would be a benefit in more ways than one ; 

 London and all the southern section of the country would pour in 

 their produce and population by the railway to Bristol. 



Mr. Brunei then pointed out some errors in the calculation made 

 by Dr. Lardner, which would be in favour of the undertaking : he 

 was convinced nine or even ten miles an hour might be accomplished. 



This discussion, which created the greatest possible interest, closed 

 this section, which has been completely filled during its sittings. 



The Public Dinner, on Monday, at the Horticultural rooms, was 

 attended by upwards of five hundred persons, the Rev. Dr. Lloyd, 

 the Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, in the chair. Soon after 

 seven the company adjourned to the Theatre, which was crowded 

 in every part. At eight o'clock the president of the previous meet- 

 ing at Dublin, Dr. Lloyd, commenced the business of the evening 

 by addressing the assembled members ; in the course of which he 

 eulogized in glowing terms the Association and its purposes : m by 

 the rapid interchange of scientific knowledge, and putting forth the 

 giant powers of the mind, to combine with one simultaneous effort 

 those engaged in kindred pursuits, thereby accelerating the progress 

 of discovery and the advance of knowledge. * * The practical 

 mechanic, as well as the philosopher (he subsequently observed), share 

 alike in and aid our labours ; and from this Association also does 

 the statesman seek his materials wherewith to improve the social 

 edifice. If I may use a figurative expression, it bears an analogy 

 to a brilliant gem, which, though it may be dignified by its setting, 

 yet its own native lustre is not impaired or improved by any thing 

 extrinsic. Yet, nevertheless, permit me now to offer to you my 

 congratulations on the splendid setting it is about to receive, and 

 which is only fitting its inestimable value, in the countenance and 

 support of the Marquis of Northampton, whom I now beg to intro- 

 duce to you as the chairman." 



