120 MEETING OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 



by mathematics, Mr. Harris endeavouring to upset his antagonist's 

 conclusions by experiments. The further discussion was adjourned. 



Dr. Read, of Edinburgh, read a paper applying the principles of 

 accoustics to the construction of buildings intended as rooms for pub- 

 lic meetings. 



Mr. Russell explained the recent improvements in canal travel- 

 ling, and illustrated the recent discovery that, contrary to preceding 

 opinions, the resistance of the vvrater does not increase with the velo- 

 city of the boat. 



Section B. — Chemistry and Mineralogy. — Professor Davy's pa- 

 per on the protection of metals was again discussed at some length. 



Section C. — Geology and Geography. — Professor Phillips, Arch- 

 deacon Verschoyle, and Dr. West, read papers. Mr. Babbage was 

 expected to read a paper, for which purpose it was supposed he had 

 left the chair of the statistical section ; the section, however, dis- 

 solved early, and Mr. Babbage's paper was postponed. 



Section D. — Zoology and Botany. — This Section was occupied, 

 on the presentation of a paper by Mr. INIackay, in discussing the 

 subject of the bog timber which is found in Ireland. 



Section E. — Anatomy and Medicine. — Dr. Houston read a most 

 able paper on the provision which nature makes in the inculcating a 

 system of diving animals, to enable them to sustain, without injury, 

 a long privation of breath. He beautifully illustrated this by com- 

 paring the vessels of the gannet and the diver — both aquatic fowl ; 

 but the former seizing its prey on the surface — the latter adapted 

 to pursue them through the deep. 



Section F. — Statistics. — This section was occupied principally 

 in discussing the subject of Irish education. In the absence of the 

 Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Dickenson praised the new Board, and 

 invited the members to visit the model school. 



A discussion then followed upon the expediency of solitary con- 

 finement, and the length of time that human nature could endure 

 exclusion from the light. 



After the sectional business had concluded, a magnificent enter- 

 tainment was given to the members of the British Association, by 

 the members of the Zoological Society. An encampment was formed 

 on the grounds between the great conservatory and the ostrich house, 

 and under the tents there were laid covers for five hundred. Long 

 before the hour fixed for the dejeune, the illustrious strangers, as 

 well as the members, crowded the gardens, inspecting the various 

 animals, and admiring the style in which this delightful retreat is 

 kept. Shortly after half-past three, his Excellency the Lord Lieu- 

 tenant, accompanied by three aides-de-camp, arrived, and took his 

 seat at the table, when the splendid band of the 7th Dragoon Guards 

 played " God save the King." After the health of '' the King," 

 " the British Association," " the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,'' had 

 been proposed and drunk, the Earl of Mulgrave, the Duke of Lein- 

 ster, and the other distinguished guests, retired to promenade about 

 the gardens. 



