Record. liii 



influence of the semi-arid table-land witli its fluctuating rivers in deep 

 young valleys. 



The unsuitability for agriculture of much of the plateau, it was 

 shown, has favored the continuance of sheep grazing over wide areas, 

 causing a remarkable survival in a West European state of a rela- 

 tively large nomadic population living under almost primitive con- 

 ditions. 



The relation of the peninsular geology to the important develop- 

 ment of mining industries by the ancients was discussed. It was 

 shown, however, that Spain by its peculiar geographical conformation 

 was not in a favorable position to develop industry and commerce in 

 the Mediterranean, and, in consequence, she was forced, in spite of a 

 rather arid climate, to become chiefly an agricultural country. From 

 this there resulted in ancient times a notable growth of population and 

 civilization in those parts of the peninsula (viz., the coast regions and 

 the alluvial plains of the Betis, Ebro and Lower Tagus) where irriga- 

 tion was practicable. 



This natural gravitation of the population toward the regions 

 made fertile by irrigation was in the Middle Ages disturbed by adverse 

 political conditions which caused a movement away from the unpro- 

 tected, pirate-infested coasts into the neighborhood of the strongly 

 fortified mountain towns of the plateau. Since the re-establishment 

 of peaceful conditions, however, there has been a steady movement 

 of population back to those regions which were in ancient times cen- 

 ters of civilization, until Madrid (artificially maintained as the polit- 

 ical capital) is left the only important town on the plateau. 



The ethnology of the peninsula was briefly discussed, showing how 

 the mountainous nature of the country has developed and preserved 

 special types. 



The following letter from President Trelease was read, 

 and checks amounting to $2,500 presented to the 

 Academy : 



St. Louis, Mo., April 5, 1909. 

 To the Council, Academy of Science: 



I have pleasure in handing to the Council, herewith, the sum of 

 $2,500.00, which has been contributed by members (and a few friends 

 who are not members) of the Academy to replace a like sum that 

 has been withdrawn from the invested funds to meet current expenses 

 within the last few years. An alphabetical list of contributors is 

 appended. It has been thought best not to indicate the sum contrib- 

 uted by each donor; but such a list has been audited, in comparison 

 with the fund itself, by Professors Nipher and Langsdorf, at my 

 request, so that it might be known that all contributions and con- 

 tributors are accounted for. The thanks of the Academy no doubt 

 will be expressed to the donors in a suitable resolution. 



I recommend that the Council add to this gift the sum of $1,000.00 

 from the Academy treasury (of which $792.63 represents the balance 



