13 



chief and most important element, and had best be dis- 

 continued altogether. We make, it must be admitted, a 

 demand of sensible magnitude in calling upon men who 

 have been actively engaged during a great portion of the 

 year, at a season when they may fairly look for relaxation, 

 to attend a busy meeting, and to contribute to its pro- 

 ceedings ; but unless a fair quota at least of our veterans, 

 and a good muster of our younger men, put in their 

 appearance, our gatherings will be to little purpose. 

 There was a period within my own recollection when it 

 was uncertain whether the then younger members of 

 our scientific growth would cast in their lot with us or 

 not, and when the fate of the Association depended 

 very much upon their decision. They decided in our 

 favour ; they have since become Presidents, Lecturers, 

 and other functionaries of our body ; with what result 

 it is for you to judge. 



Of the advantages which may possibly accrtre to the 

 locality in which our meetings are held, it is not for us 

 to speak ; but it is always a ground for sincere satis- 

 faction to learn that our presence has been of any use 

 in stimulating an interest, or in promoting local eflPorts, 

 in the direction of Science. 



The functions of the British Association do not. The Council, 

 however, terminate with the meeting itself. Beside the 

 Special Committees already mentioned, there remains a 

 very important body, elected by the General Committee, 

 viz., the Council, which assembles at the office in London 

 from time to time as occasion requires. To this body 

 belongs the duty of proposing a President, of preparing 

 for the. approval of the General* Committee the list of 

 Vice-Presidents and sectional officers, the selection of 

 evening lecturers, and other arrangements for the coming 

 meeting. 



