1015] on the Visit of the British Association to Australia 343 



day afternoon, at which we considered what was desirable in the 

 altered circumstances, it was resolved that " a communication be sent 

 to the Federal Council expressing the desire of the Memljers of the 

 British Association to recognize in every way the special difficulties 

 which might attend some of the arrangements made for the Meeting, 

 owing to the unforeseen situation in Europe and their willingness to 

 acquiesce in the withdrawal of any item from the programme which 

 might seem inappropriate under the circumstances." 



A reply was at once received from Professors Masson, David and 

 Stirling, as official representatives of the Federal Council and the 

 local executives, informing the Meeting that '' while appreciating the 

 thoughtful ness exhibited by the resolution, they felt strongly that 

 the scientific and other business of the Meeting should go on as it 

 would have done under happier circumstances but that some of the 

 social functions might have to be modified in such a way as to meet 

 the general feeling and, moreover, that if any difficulties of transport 

 or other matters should interfere with or modify or delay any of the 

 excursions arranged, they were glad to know that the Members of 

 Council present realized the possibility of such difficulties and would 

 make the needful allowances." 



After discussion, we decided to treat our German guests as though 

 nothing had happened, as they could not be held responsible. The 

 agreement was loyally observed throughout the Meeting and neither 

 side, I believe, had reason to complain of lack of cordiality, except in 

 the case of one individual. I know that our attitude towards them 

 has produced a deep impression upon some of our Teutonic com- 

 panions and in course of time it may be of service, perhaps, in 

 justifying the compliment paid to us by one of our foreign members 

 since his return, in the quaint remark, " I am glad to see one people 

 ever alike and ever with cold brain." 



Though a reception was held by the State Governor in Adelaide 

 and several lectures were delivered by members of our party, except 

 that Presidential addresses were read in two sections, the Association 

 did not formally begin its regular sectional work until we reached 

 Melbourne, where the President read the first part of his address ; 

 the second part was delivered at Sydney, where the regular proceed- 

 ings terminated, though two sectional addresses and three evening 

 lectures were delivered subsequently in Brisbane. 



The organization for the mobilization of our party of three hun- 

 dred was remarkably complete. We were severally provided with a 

 diary and memorandum book containing a list of the party, a number 

 being assigned to each of us to be used on baggage ; and on the 

 occasion of each new journey we received an information list giving 

 full particulars as to place in train, name of host, etc., so that we 

 were able to fall in on leaving and arriving at the various centres 

 almost without asking a question. Perhaps the most agreeable 

 feature of our visit was the fact that the majority were entertained 



