74 Report S.A.A. Advancement of Science. 



as the work of collection, correction, tabulation, distribution of 

 instruments, correspondence, etc., has increased to such an extent 

 that it is jDractically impossible for myself and my assistant to over- 

 take our daily duties, while the work of inspection has to be carried 

 out at long intervals. I would here draw attention to the need for 

 much more frequent inspection than can be carried out at present. 

 It must be borne in mind that the finest instruments in the hands of 

 unskilled and untrained observers are of far less use than inferior 

 instruments in the hands of properly-trained men ; the country is 

 large and our stations are frequently very far apart, while the facilities 

 for travelling are few, so that more time ought to be devoted to 

 inspection than can possibly be the case at present. 



If in the course of this address I may have seemed to speak 

 strongly, and at times even bitterly, it is because I feel strongly the 

 neglect to which this important subject of Meteorology has been 

 subjected in the past. What is to be the position of the Cape 

 Colony in regard to this subject in the future ? Is it to assume 

 the leading part that its geographical position and extent, as well 

 as the fact of its being, so to speak, the " mother " of Meteorology 

 in South Africa, entitles it to ? Time will tell. Past experience 

 has rendered me sceptical, but the united voice of this Association 

 may have some effect, and "Hope springs eternal in the human 

 breast." 



