RECENT AERONAUTICAL PROGRESS. 181 



further the cauf^o^ Like most matters in tliis world, what is most 

 wanted is money. Man}' x>lever inventors and engineers are quite 

 ready with their plans, but have not the means to complete them. 

 We see millions of pounds spent on etpiipment for war. Hundreds 

 of thousands devoted to the building of small war ships. We see thou- 

 sands sui)seribed for geographical exploration. But for the encourage- 

 ment of that invention which msiy ])e paramoiuit over all these we see 

 practically nothing dov^oted. When I say '* practically nothing" I 

 am not forgetful of a certain few who have devoted nuich to this cause. 

 We do not forget the very generous donations which Mr. Alexander 

 has given to this societ}', nor the valua])le time and energy which our 

 worthy secretary has devoted so gratuitous!}' to further the objects of 

 the society. Others, too, are helping as best they can with limited 

 time and money; l)ut what we would like to see would be a real solid 

 fund built up, such as would enal)le us to get really useful work done. 

 Then I feel sure it would not ])e long before the British nation would 

 owe a debt of gratitude to the Aeronautical Societv of Great Britain. 



