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CORRESPONDING SOCIETIES. 39 
logical form. None but those who have associated with the scientific 
men of other countries, and have seen the splendid isolation in which 
most of them are accustomed to work, can appreciate the service which 
our scattered small Societies render to the cause of natural science here. 
Through the influence of these bodies everyone who is able to devote his 
energies to original research is assured the sympathy, and frequently the 
help, of a multitude of cultured men who are too much occupied with 
other pursuits to give more than superficial attention to natural science. 
Through the same influence also a continual stream of recruits is furnished 
to the great Societies in our three metropolitan centres, whose activities 
and resources excite the admiration, if not the envy, of our colleagues in 
scientific research abroad. 
The purpose of this Conference, however, is not to dilate on our happy 
circumstances and. achievements, but rather to consider how we can 
render the organisation and work of the Societies more effective in pro- 
moting the objects for which the British Association exists. I therefore 
hope I may be pardoned if I devote the greater part of my brief Address 
to critical remarks and suggestions. One who comes into contact with 
many local Societies, and takes little part in the work of any, receives 
impressions which may interest those among the Delegates who have not 
had the opportunity of taking the same broad point of view. Some of 
these impressions I purpose to recount. 5 
In the first place it seems to me that some of the Societies—especially 
_ the. Field Clubs, which admit too many so-called ‘antiquarians’—con- 
tinually reduce their efficiency, and even endanger their existence as 
scientific bodies, by the luxurious picnics which are misnamed ‘ex- 
cursions.’ The excursion-circulars of one Society, which I often see, 
particularly amuse me. The hour of starting is made sufficiently late to 
avoid the discomforts of even moderately early rising; carriages are 
arranged for every possible part of the route ; at least an hour is spent in 
an elaborate luncheon at some well-appointed hostelry ; an hour and a 
half afterwards an amiable hostess invites the party to tea ; and then, 
after inspecting some old building, the direct return journey is begun. 
Natural history forms an entirely subordinate part of the programme. 
I know three Societies which have lost the co-operation of some of the 
best naturalists in their district by frivolity of this kind ; and, however 
tempting the prospect of multiplied subscriptions may be, I do not think 
it is to the advantage of science for any Society to increase its member- 
ship at the sacrifice of strict attention to its main objects. Excursions 
are a most admirable institution, but when intended for the study of 
natural history should be as systematically scientific as the meetings. 
Again, I would allude for a moment to the intellectual entertainment 
provided at the evening meetings. As remarked by my predecessor last 
year, there can be no doubt that the best work done by the smaller 
Societies is that of instruction in the current progress of science, and the 
presentation of the matter in such a form as to rouse interest in scientific 
pursuits. In most cases this work is admirably done by the various 
members who happen to be absorbed in the different branches of science 
to which they devote their leisure ; bat some Societies are more ambitious 
and, while maintaining their original very moderate subscription, exert 
all the personal influence they can command to induce professional scien 
tific men to come and give them, as an entirely gratuitous service, the 
fruit of their life-long studies. I know one Society, consisting mainly 
