XX. 



Professor Easterfield : The proposition is to some extent carried 

 out by the British Association, although, as Mr. Maiden previously- 

 said, the conditions in Great Britain are absolutely different. Still, 

 the fact that the system has worked well in Britain might be some 

 guide to us. I remember ten or fifteen years ago hearing one of the 

 most stimulating discussions I have ever heard carried on there. I 

 consider it was one of the greatest privileges of my life to have been 

 present on such an occasion, and I do hope that the same beneficial 

 result will follow if such a system is adopted here for discussions. 



The President : Would it not be best to affii-m the general prin- 

 ciple now, and consider the details later? 



A Voice : I would like to make a suggestion before affirming the 

 proposition; is not this a matter for the sections rather than the 

 General Council? 



The President : I think not. The motion has been proposed and 

 seconded. I will simply put it. — Carried. 



Mr. Maiden : It might be as well to remit it to the Kecommenda^ 

 tion Committee. You do not want to bind the Local Committee too 

 much. 



The President : The Recommendation Committee has power to- 

 do that. 



Mr. Maiden : I do not know that I am quite prepared to do that. 

 I purposely left it rather vague, so as to limit the local committees as 

 little as possible. I wanted to establish a certain principle, and 

 different centres might carry the scheme out in different ways. 



The President : If there is no further motion we will simply pro- 

 ceed to the next business. 



13. Subjects Recommended for Discussion at Sydney Meeting. — 



Mr. Maiden : I move the following subjects be recommended for 

 discussion at the Sydney meeting : — ■ 



I. The effect of the destruction of foiests on the flow of streams 

 in Australia. 



II. The principles of scientific description in Natural History. 

 (At Adelaide the Rev. Mr. Blackman moved the latter), 

 Mr. Shirley seconded. Professor Skertchly supported. 



Mr. Lucas : I move as an amendment — " That the matter be post- 

 poned until the precise method in which the general subjects are to 

 be selected and considered be determined." 



Seconded by Mr. Knibbs. ' ■ 



Mr. Johnston : I move that we omit the following words in pro- 

 position II. — viz., "on the flow of streams," making it read "The 

 effect of the destruction of forests in Australia." 



Seconded by Mr. Swanwick. 



Mr. Johnston's amendment put — Voting = 15 for, 13 against. 



Mr. Lucas's amendment put — Voting = 22 for. 2 against. 



Mr. Lucas's amendment put as substantive motion, and carried. 



