71 



Problems in Evolution," an illuminating paper, which every one of 

 our members who takes any real interest in Natural History should 

 read carefully. Dr. F. A. E. Crew dilated upon " The Mechanism 

 of Sex-reversal in Frogs," Prof. J. Cossar Ewart on "The Structure, 

 Development, and Origin of Feathers," Prof. D. M. S. Watson on 

 " Dry Land and the Origin of the Bony Vertebrates," Dr. John 

 Rennison, " Acarine Disease in Hive Bees," to mention only a few 

 of the many interesting subjects that were discussed. A feature of 

 the gathering was the number of "Joint Meetings," thus " Forest 

 Insect Problems " were discussed by members of Zoological and 

 Botanical Sections ; " Instinctive Behaviour " by those of the 

 Zoological and Psychological;" The Age of the Earth" by the 

 Zoologists, the Physicists, and so forth, thus giving the oppor- 

 tunity for discussion of the subjects from many points of view. 



The various institutions of the City did everything possible for 

 the entertainment of the members of the Association. The Lord 

 Provost, Magistrates and Council of Edinburgh held a reception at 

 the Royal Scottish Museum, where the members were cordially 

 received, and an opportunity given them of viewing the many 

 treasures housed in the Museum buildings. A Garden Party was 

 held at the Zoological Park, the property of the Zoological Society 

 of Scotland, where ample time was allowed for inspecting the col- 

 lections, many of the species of mammals and birds, housed under 

 wonderfully natural conditions, showing to great advantage. 

 Indeed, practically every scientific society in Edinburgh threw open 

 its doors to the members of the Association during the meeting, 

 and cordially welcomed all those who visited them. An item not 

 ofiScially mentioned -vyas the Botanical Gardens, where I spent a 

 pleasant and instructive afternoon among the ample and beautifully 

 arranged rock gardens. 



But the particular business on which you sent me to Edinburgh 

 was to represent you at the Conference of Delegates of Correspond- 

 ing Societies. Two meetings were held, and I was able to be 

 present at both of them. The President of the Conference Sir 

 Richard Gregory (Editor of " Nature "), gave as his address, 

 " The Message of Science," of which I append a copy, in the hope 

 that one and all of you will in turn read it with interest and benefit. 

 The subjects brought forward for discussion were " Science and 

 Citizenship," which was debated from many points of view; and 

 "Regional Surveys," the objects of which were very fully explained, 

 and the following resolution was passed : — 



