6 REPOKT 1878. 



instances will perhaps suffice to show that even if larger and more perma- 

 nent funds were devoted to the promotion of research than is the case at 

 present, there would still be a field of activity open to the British Asso- 

 ciation as well as to other scientific bodies which may have funds at their 

 disposal. 



On the general question it is not difficult to offer strong arguments in 

 favour of permanent national Scientific Institutions ; nor is it difficult to 

 picture to the mind an ideal future when Science and Art shall walk hand 

 in hand together, led by a willing minister into the green pastures of the 

 Endowment of Research. But while allowing this to be no impossible 

 a future, we must still admit that there are other and less promising possi- 

 bilities, which under existing circumstances cannot be altogether left out 

 of our calculations. I am therefore on the whole inclined to think that, 

 while not losing sight of larger schemes, the wisest policy, for the present 

 at all events, and pending the experiment of the Government fund, will be 

 to confine our efforts to a careful selection of definite persons to carry out de- 

 finite pieces of work ; leaving to them the honour (or the onus if they so think 

 it) of justifying from time to time a continuation of the confidence which 

 the Government or other supporting body may have once placed in them. 



Passing from the proceedings to other features and functions of our 

 body, it should be remembered that the continued existence of the Asso- 

 ciation must depend largely upon the support which it receives from its 

 members and associates. Stinted in the funds so arising, its scientific effec- 

 tiveness would be materially impaired ; and deprived of them, its existence 

 would be precarious. The amount at our disposal in each year will naturally 

 vary with the population, with the accessibility, and with other circum- 

 stances of the place of meeting ; there will be financially, as well as 

 scientifically, good years and bad years. But we have in our invested 

 capital a sum sufficient to tide over all probable fluctuations, and even to 

 carry us efficiently through several years of financial famine, if ever such 

 should occur. This seems to me sufficient ; and we have therefore, I 

 think, no need to increase our reserve, beyond perhaps the moderate 

 addition which a prudent treasurer will always try to secure, against 

 expenditure which often increases and rarely diminishes. 



But however important this material support may be to our existence 

 and well being, it is by no means all that is required. There is another 

 factor which enters into the product, namely, the personal scientific 

 support of our best men. It is, I think, not too much to say, that without 

 their presence our meetings would fail in their chief and most important 

 element, and had best be discontinued altogether. We make, it must be 

 admitted, a demand of sensible magnitude in calling upon men who have 

 been actively engaged during a great portion of the year, at a season 

 when they may fairly look for relaxation, to attend a busy meeting, and 

 to contribute to its proceedings ; but unless a fair quota at least of our 

 veterans, and a good muster of our younger men, put in their appearance, 



