XXX DIVERS PUBLIC FUNCTIONS 85 



a complete rest next autumn — the only time I can 

 conveniently get away from the Museum. I have for 

 some time foreseen that this might come, but until the 

 Congress was constituted by the definite formation of 

 an Executive Committee and other officers, I had no 

 opportunity of giving in my resignation. On Thursday 

 next at 3 Hanover Square (2.30 p.m.), a meeting will be 

 held for this purpose. I cannot go myself, but must 

 write a letter to explain my situation. Now comes the 

 difficulty, or what may be a difficulty without your 

 help. In my opinion, and what I believe will be that of 

 all British as well as foreign zoologists, the only man 

 upon whom all sections will unite is yourself. May I 

 propose you ? There will really be very little work, 

 especially for one so able and experienced in such 

 matters. You will have a good staff of willing officers, 

 and much support from all the leading zoologists. I will 

 do all I can to help, and keep things going in any direction 

 you may wish. The Cambridge people are very enthusi- 

 astic about it, and determined to make it a success. 

 You need not go to the meeting on Thursday unless 

 convenient, as I will provide another Chairman, but do 

 send me a line (by telegraph) to say you will take the 

 office, if elected, and my mind will be relieved. 



I shall also feel that the Congress will gain, instead 

 of losing by my unfortunate breakdown. — Believe me, 

 yours most truly, W. H. Flower. 



The meeting is fixed for August 23rd to suit the 

 foreigners. It would be quite enough if you were only 

 there on the opening day. 



Sir John hastened to relieve Professor Flower's 

 anxieties by a telegram followed by a letter, 

 expressing his willingness to assume the position 

 suggested ; and the Professor wrote in gratitude : 



26 Stanhope Gardens, S.W., 

 November 5th, 1897. 



My dear Lubbock — Your telegram, followed by 

 your very kind letter, relieved me from a very great 

 anxiety, and I thank you very much. Now the strain, 

 as it would have been to me (perhaps more in anticipation 

 and imagination than in reality) is off my mind, I shall 



