PEOCEEDINGS FOR 188S. T 



on a proposal for an Imperial Union of Geological Surveys and Societies. The committee reported 

 favorably on the object aimed at as of the greatest importance to the advancement of geological 

 science. " It would appear," according to the report, " that the first steps towards such aunion should 

 " be taken by scientitic bodies in London, and that the Eoyal Society of London should be requested 

 " to begin the movement by inviting in the first instance to a conference, representatives of the 

 " Geological Survey of Great Britain and of the various societies and associations in Great Britain 

 " and Ireland prosecuting geological work, with representatives from similar bodies in the Colonies." 

 The report of the committee was printed and circidated among all societies interested in the matter ; 

 but the Council understand that the Eoyal Society of London have so far declined to take the 

 initiative in the matter, and consequently the Council have not been called upon to take any further 

 action. 



As the matter is one of great interest to the scientific world, the Council think it advisable to 

 accept the recommendation of the committee as suggested in the following report: — 



Report of a Committee of the Royal Society of Canada on the subject of Geological Union. 



Your Committee beg leave to report that, immediately after the meeting of May last, copies of 

 its last Eeport and of Sir William Dawson's letter to Prof. Stokes were printed and widely circulated 

 in Great Britain and the Colonies, and a large number of letters in reply, most of them cxpi'cssing 

 approval and sympathy with the movement, were received. 



A letter by the Chairman was also published in Nature, June 16th, 1887. 



Communications wei'O addressed to the Council of the British Association and to the President of 

 the Geological Section, and the matter was discussed at the Manchester meeting, and noticed at some 

 length in the address of the president of Section C. Unfortunately, howevei-, none of the members 

 oi' your Committee could be present at that meeting, and it is believed that, notwithstanding the 

 explanations given in the printed documents, the objects in view were not clearly apprehended by 

 many of the members. 



Finally, the proposal to summon a conference under the auspices of the Eoyal Society was taken 

 up by the Council of that Society at its meeting of October 27th, 1887, and the following resolution 

 was passed : — 



" That having regard to the existing condition of the question of Scientific Federation, and the 

 " various contingencies that may arise during the next few years, they do not see their way to 

 " summoning such a conference as that recommended." 



This resolution seemed to preclude all immediate action, and since its receipt by the Chairman, 

 nothing has been done, except in the way of private correspondence with persons interested in the 

 subject. In view of the declinature of the Royal SoLiety to move in the matter, and of the apjjroach- 

 ing meeting of the International Congress of Geologists in London, it appears best to leave the question, 

 at present, in abeyance. 



Your Committee, however, believe that the idea is a fruitful and important one, which may even- 

 tually prevail, that its suggestion and wide acceptance by scientific workers in Canada, Australia and 

 other parts of the Empire cannot fail to lead to valuable results in the future, and that under certain 

 contingencies it may be fully realized at no very distant date. 



Your Committee would therefore recommend tliat it be continued, with the view of watching the 

 cour.-e of events, and keeping up communication with those in different parts oTthe Empire who may 

 be favourable to the object in view. 



The whi>le respectfully submitted. 



J. W, Dawson. 



