754 EDITORIAL 
criticism, and not infrequently to have judgment hurriedly passed 
against them on insufficient evidence, the degree of indebtedness 
to those who undertake such responsibilities is even greater than 
at first appears. 
* 
THE actual meetings of the congress were reduced to a mini- 
mum. Of the eight days set apart for the session in St. Peters- 
bourg, four only were occupied by the reading of papers and by 
discussion; two were given to the opening and closing cere- 
monies, and two were taken for excursions. The wisdom of this 
allotment is open to criticism. But it was evident at the time 
that the most interesting feature of the session for the general 
member was the social intercourse between members, proving 
that the individuality of those present was of more immediate 
interest than the papers read. The audience room unfortunately 
was not well adapted to the purpose, owing to its large size and 
the interruptions by members passing through it. It was appar- 
ent to many that there would be a distinct gain if in future ses- 
sions there should be meetings by sections for those interested 
in specialized branches of geology, in connection with general 
meetings, in which all might be interested. It would permit the 
specialist to present more technical papers, and would allow of 
more time for their discussion without encroaching upon the 
time of others. Topics so diverse as paleontology and petrol- 
ogy could be treated at the same time without conflict, and with 
mutual advantage. The consciousness that a paper would be 
too technical for a general audience, and that it should be made 
as short as possible often deters one from devoting the necessary 
time to its preparation. But with the possibilities of an audi- 
ence such as might be commanded at an international congress, 
and with time enough at one’s disposal, there could be no stronger 
incentive for the presentation of one’s best possible production. 
It is to be hoped that the French geologists will inaugurate this 
practice at the session in Paris in 1900. 
The nature of the scientific proceedings of the session will 
be noted in another issue of the JOURNAL. jnce ale 
