1865.] BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 345 



force, compel the strong metal to take up the most delicately 

 moulded form, will acknowledge, that within the period since the 

 British Association began to set itself to the task of reconciling the 

 separated powers of theory and experience, there has been a 

 total change in the aspect of each, to the great advantage of both. 



Our undertakings have not been fruitless. We attempted 

 what we had well considered, and had the power to accomplish ; 

 and we had the more than willing help of competent persons of 

 our own body, the friendly aid of other institutions, and the sanc- 

 tion of the Government, convinced of the sincerity of our purpose 

 and the wisdom of our recommendations. 



The same work is ever before us ; the same prudence is always 

 necessary ; the same aid is always ready. Great, indeed, should 

 be our happiness in reflecting on the many occasions, when the 

 Royal Society in particular, and other institutions older than our 

 own, have readily placed themselves by our side, to share our 

 responsibility and diminish our difficulties. But for this, our 

 wishes might not always have prevailed ; and the horizon of 

 science would not have been so clear as now it is. Of late years r 

 indeed, societies formed on our model have taken up special parts 

 of our work, and thus, to some extent, have relieved us of the 

 pressure of communications relating to the practice of particular 

 professions and the progress of some public questions. Not that 

 scientific agriculture, social statistics, or physiology, are neglected 

 in our meetings, but that these and other practical subjects are 

 found to have more than one aspect, and to require more than one 

 mode of treatment. With us, facts well ascertained, conclusions 

 rightly drawn, will ever be welcome, from whatever quarter of the 

 horizon of science they make their appearance. Whatever socie- 

 ties cultivate these objects, they are our allies, and we will help 

 them, if we may. With pleasure we receive proofs of the good 

 work done in limited districts by the many admirable Field Clubs 

 formed by our countrymen ; whether, like those of Tyne-side and 

 the Cotswolds, and in this immediate vicinity those of Warwick- 

 shire, Worcestershire, and Dudley, they explore the minutest 

 recesses of our hills and glens ; or, like the rangers of the Alps, 

 bring us new facts regarding glaciers, ancient climates, and altered 

 levels of land and sea. 



By these agreeable gatherings natural history is most favor- 

 ably commended ; and in the activity and enlarged views of the 

 officers who conduct them, the British Association recognizes the 



