TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION E, 637 
Population is very irregularly distributed and its increase but slight. As in the 
tropics generally, it has a much smaller administrative value than population in 
a temperate climate. Even in India this value varies greatly. The contrast be- 
tween the East Coast and the West Coast population of South India is very marked, 
the cause being in part racial, in part climatic. The commercial importance of 
the Malabar coast depends mainly on its raw products. Cocoanut fibre and oil, 
spices, tea, and coffee are exported ; rice imported. 
The Malayalis have hitherto somewhat lagged behind the Tamils of the Kast 
Coast, but are rapidly catching them up, though not yet so disciplined, methodi- 
cal, persevering, or enterprising. Among their characteristics are good-nature, 
hospitality, politeness, piety, and personal cleanliness. The type represented by 
the Bengali Babu is not found in South India or Bombay. The real new Hindu 
is very different trom ‘Mr. Jabberjee,’ and usually stays in India, Contempt for 
him is altogether inappropriate and often grossly unfair. The great need is for a 
sane and intelligent sympathy and for co-operation on a fair and stable basis. _ 
In conclusion, the author pointed out the astonishing progress which has been 
made in the Malabar Coast States during the last fifty years, and insisted on the 
need of firm but tactful and sympathetic treatment of old institutions, of efficiency, 
honesty, and continuity in administration. South India could best be helped by 
giving her ablest sons the highest possible training and education. 
6. A Geographical Object-lesson : Passes of the Alps. 
By A. W. ANDREws. 
The grouping of the scattered information which constitutes geographical 
knowledge is essential for a true understanding of the influence of physical 
features on the life and intercourse of the inhabitants of any region. 
Only those who can travel or have leisure and opportunity to read widely, to 
study photographs and maps, and to think out the relations of cause and effect, can 
hope to grasp the inner meaning of history and geography, and unfortunately the 
majority of teachers of geography do not, as a rule, belong to this small class. 
’ It has therefore been suggested that a series of object-lessons should be put 
together in the form of lantern slides, each lesson dealing with one aspect of 
geography such as peaks, passes, and glaciers, coast lines, regions of vegeta- 
tion, &e. 
It is proposed also to prepare a short pamphlet on each subject, explaining the 
maps and views and containing suggestions as to their use. It is hoped that the 
first two sets, peaks and glaciers, and passes of the Alps, will be ready for use in 
September. 
The paper gave a general sketch of the aims and constitution of a typical set, 
including geographical and political maps of the Alps and their main subdivisions, 
maps showing river basins, railways, &c., with views of characteristic natural 
features. 
7. The Scottish Antarctic Expedition. By W.S. Bruce. 
8. The First True Maps. By C. R. Beazury, UA. 
This paper dealt with the ‘Portolani, or coast-plans, intended as practical guides 
to sailors and merchants, which made their appearance at the close of the thirteenth 
and beginning of the fourteenth century, and which are not only the first true sea- 
charts, but likewise the earliest designs in which any part of the earth’s surface is 
laid down from actual observation of a close and continuous character. In their 
almost modern accuracy they form a striking contrast with the results of the older 
literary or theological geography, and the problem of their sudden appearance in 
such comparative perfection is deserving of more study than it has yet received, at 
least in this country. 
