494 EEPORT— 1881. 



Many details of interest cannot be included in such a resume as this, but 

 a full account will shortly appear. 



It may now be asked, What are the prospects of the island ? Is it 

 possible in the future to make anything of it ? 



There is no doubt but that large tracts of country on the island might, 

 with little difficulty, be brought into a state of cultivation. The hills 

 might be terraced and, by irrigation, water could be taken to spots now 

 dry and parched. The soil is rich, and would support a large crop of 

 cereals, fruits, and vegetables, and with increased pasture the cattle and 

 sheep would multiply enormously. Socotra might thus become a source 

 of supply for the adjacent continents and for passing ships. In addition 

 the aloe-culture might easily be undertaken, and this, with dragon's- 

 blood, boxwood, and orchella weed, would make important articles of 

 commerce. The want of a safe harbour must militate against the commerce 

 of the island, but it is pleasing to be able to say that Luke Thomas & Co., 

 of London and Aden, have fitted out a small steamer, the Operculum, 

 which makes her first trip at the end of this month, with the special aim 

 of developing a trade between Socotra and the Arabian and African 

 coasts. One can but wish that it may be the pioneer of a regular trade 

 which will bring the island into contact with civilisation. If dreams of a 

 commercial future for Socotra be considei-ed too sanguine for realisation, 

 it is possible to look to the natural history treasures of the island for 

 valuable contributions to the history of life. After all that has been 

 done we have only a slight knowledge of them. Moreover there is great 

 need for a proper map of the island. The map of Haines and Wellsted (the 

 Admiralty chart) is the only available one, and that is so incomplete and 

 inaccurate regarding the interior, as to be practically useless. Other 

 work during our expedition allowed of no more than mere compass- 

 bearings being taken of the various hills and prominent points, but our 

 data are not sufficient to enable us to make any great change in the map, 

 so that a proper topographical survey is a first necessity. 



It was at this Association that Dr. Sclater first brought forward his 

 proposal for an exploration of the island, and it was by funds supplied by 

 this Association that the expedition was at first organised. The results 

 achieved are in great part before the Association, for whom it is to 

 decide whether or no the end has justified the means. If this has been the 

 case, and the results are deemed satisfactory, I would only reiterate that 

 what has been done is but a fragment. Much remains to be done in this 

 region, not only in Socotra itself, but also on the adjacent coasts of 

 Arabia and Africa. Funds only are wantiug for the prosecution of the 

 exploration. In conclusion, I will only express the hope that one 

 outcome of this most successful meeting will be the carrying out of the 

 further scientific exploration of these regions. 



On some of the Developments of Mechanical Engineering during the 

 last half -century. By Six Frederick Bram^vell, V.P. Inst. C.E., 

 F.R.S. 



[A communication ordered by the General Committee to be printed in extenso 



among the Reports.] 



I AM quite sure the Section will agree with me in thinking — it was very 

 fortunate for us, and for science generally, that our President re- 



