GENERAL MEETING. 39 
is genetic. There is an area of growth and an area of waste to 
every glacier, and the distinct recognition of the two in quaternary 
glaciers is likely to rise to some importance. Superficially the area 
of growth coincides with the névé; the area of waste is that of the 
‘glacier proper. From every annual snow-fall there remains, at the 
time of maximum summer melting, a remnant that feeds the gla- 
cier. This is the névé for that year. The area may be greater or 
less in different seasons. The névé-field is accurately shown only 
on the day of maximum waste. 
A contribution of much value, bearing upon the property of ice 
which permits glacier motion, has recently been made by Petterson, 
who has demonstrated, by refined experimentation, that ice, es- 
pecially if impure, shrinks as it approaches the melting point and 
becomes plastic. © 
Mr. C. E. Durron desired to reiterate the remarks of Mr. 
Chamberlin to the effect that definitions can rarely or never be 
made rigorous. Glaciers, no doubt, vary in their characteristics like 
almost all other groups of phenomena. There is little difficulty in 
recognizing a glacier when all those features which characterize it 
are present, and when the conditions are of the ordinary nature. 
But exceptional cases arise. The lower parts are sometimes want- 
ing and the névé alone remains, or the portion where the névé 
passes into the glacial stream may constitute the termination. In 
the latter case those who desire to be extremely precise in their 
phraseology might hesitate. It should seem best, whenever an 
occurrence is modified or defective, to use the term “glacier,” with 
a qualification which shall express the particular circumstancs. 
Remarks were also made by Messrs. GILBERT and ELLiort. 
254TH MEETING. May 24, 1884. 
The President in the Chair. 
Twenty-six members and guests present. 
It was announced from the General Committee that after the 
255th meeting, June 7, the Society would take a vacation until 
October 11. 
