92 REPORT—1863. 
fructification, which, in fossil ferns, is rarely seen. So also the same forms of shell 
may belong to different genera,—the only distinction being founded on the teeth or 
some other character of the animal inhabiting the shell,—and such characters are 
of course totally lost in the fossil. The cortical markings of plants have been made 
to characterize different genera and species, while the fact that dissimilar markings 
occur on the same bark, according as it is viewed on its inner or outer surfaces, 
has often been neglected. Again, the presence of a palm-leaf might be considered 
by the geologist as indicative of a very hot climate, from his not knowing that 
some palms occur at high latitudes, and others are met with on mountains asso- 
ciated with cool forms of Conifers. These and numerous instances might be ad- 
duced to show the necessity for a perfect acquaintance with the present fauna and 
flora in all their details, before the geologist can determine fossils, or the character 
of the climate of paleontological epochs. There is a mutual bearing of all the 
natural sciences on each other, and the student of nature must take a comprehen- 
sive grasp of all. 
The natural sciences have always occupied a prominent place in the Proceedings 
of the British Association. The subject is in itself popular, and is interesting to 
all classes. Much has been done in this Section to eae the sciences of zoology 
and botany, and to stimulate naturalists in their investigations. 
A feature of the Association, which requires special notice, is the procuring of 
reports on different departments of science, and the aiding and encouraging of 
naturalists in carrying on researches which require much labour and expense for 
their prosecution. Many a deserving young naturalist has thus been enabled to 
advance science and lay the foundation for future fame and promotion. 
Another important feature of the Association is the bringing together men ot 
science, and promoting free personal intercourse. Perhaps more good has been 
done by this than even by the reading of papers. Interchange of thought by oral 
communication, and the opportunity of frankly stating difficulties and of asking 
questions, are most valuable to men of science,—especially when they are congre- 
gated from various parts of the world. Friendships too are cemented, and aspe- 
rities are softened, by coming into contact with fellow-labourers in the same great 
field. No doubt, there have been occasional unpleasant altercations at our meet- 
ings; but even these have been ultimately turned to good account. Explanations 
are made, opinions are canvassed, and truth is finally elicited.“ For as iron sharp- 
eneth iron, so the countenance of a man his friend.” But, it has been remarked, 
iron does not sharpen iron unless it is brought into contact with its fellow, and one 
be made to act sharply and keenly on the other. 
In former days keen disputes took place among geologists in reference to the 
formation of rocks. The igneous view propounded by my distinguished relative, 
Dr. James Hutton, was supported warmly by some, while the aqueous view was 
espoused by others. At length, by a combination of fire and water, truth was elicited, 
and the minds of geologists were to a certain extent composed. The relations and 
position of rocks,—the continuity of formations,—Cambrian and Silurian rocks,— 
coal and shale,—glacier motion,—the definition of species, their permanence or 
variability, and their origin,—embryogeny and cytogenesis in plants and animals, 
—flint-hatchets,—the age of man,—and many other points, structural and physio- 
logical, have been, and some are still, discussed with great keenness and even with 
acrimony. But out of all this, as in former cases, truth will at length come forth. 
The storms which now and then agitate the natural-history atmosphere will purify 
it. Like the mists on the mountain, which bring out in bold relief the noble rocks 
and ravines of the craggy summit, so these disputes, even while they are carried 
on, bring out some phenomena of interest which had been previously invisible. The 
lightning’s flash from the dark cloud may discover to us some prominent object 
which had been overlooked in the calm sunshine. But ere long the storm will 
cease, the mists will be dissipated, and then the unclouded summit will appear in 
all its majestic clearness. o when the obscurity cast around science by the 
disputes of combatants shall have passed away, the truth will shine forth to the 
calm eye of the philosophic observer in all its beauty. In such polemics we are 
not to fight merely for victory or for the advancement of our own fame, but for 
the great cause of truth, which alone will prevail at last. 
