MAaAckINTosH. 89 
Even the great Hannibal went into winter-quarters at Capua. But, surely, 
the winter is the only pleasant and suitable time for physical exertion in 
the Capua of to-day ! 
Doubtless, many other illustrations of this point will occur to those 
present at the meeting on Monday. And, indeed, one can hardly conceive 
it possible for the hot and enervating climate of Modern Italy to have 
developed so hardy and vigorous a race as the ancient Romans ! 
The same remark would, more or less, apply to the ancient Chaldeans, 
Assyrians, Medes and Persians, Egyptians, and Greeks, who, in this respect, 
contrast most favourably with their modern representatives. 
FROM THE Rev. W. GUEST F.G.S. 
The paper of Mr. Mackintosh has evidently been written after a close 
personal examination of the phenomena in question, and, considering the 
brevity to which the author has confined himself, is one of remarkable 
clearness. I regret that I cannot be present when the paper is read, but, as 
« member of the Institute for some years, I should be deeply obliged if 
the expression of my personal thanks could be conveyed to the writer. 
To me it has been evident for several years that the question which 
would come to the front in geological research was that of the probable date 
of the close of the Glacial Period. The Victoria Institute has done the 
very highest service in accentuating the importance of this inquiry, and it is 
very much to be wished that, after the manner of the British Association, 
there were a fund at its disposal to encourage investigation. No research 
could yield more valuable results, or help better to throw light on very 
critical problems. It is too much to expect gentlemen to pursue on their 
own account such laborious studies, journeys, and field inquiries, as the 
subject demands ; but Mr. Mackintosh has led the way, and placed all 
members of the Institute under the greatest obligation. It is of moment 
that the matter should not rest at this point. 
Mr. MACKINTOSH’S REPLY. 
I thank the speakers for their kind comments. In reference to a remark 
by the Rev. W. B. Galloway, on the glaciers, I may say that Professor 
‘J. Geike believes that small glaciers came down the Scottish glens to near 
the sea level as late as the Neolithic times, if not later. In regard to 
another point, I would say that on the Norber plateau in Yorkshire, in 
many places rain falling from boulders has made no impression on the 
surrounding flat limestone rocks. I wish to add that there is much truth 
in Mr. Charlesworth’s remark on the mere mechanical action of rainwater 
on limestone rocks; but when the chemical and mechanical action are 
combined, there must be lowering of the surface to a considerable extent. 
MOTs XX. H 
