Editorial. 



As THE time for the meeting of the International Congress 

 of Geologists approaches interest in the series of events con- 

 nected with it increases. The several circulars that have been 

 issued have made evident the extent of the preparations that are 

 being made at St. Petersburg and the largeness of the generosity 

 of His Majesty the Emperor of Russia. Opportunity has been 

 offered for all geologists taking part in the congress to visit 

 many of the most important regions of Russia, presenting widely 

 different geological phenomena- — the crystalline rocks of Fin- 

 land and the glacial phenomena in the north ; the vast expanse 

 of slightly disturbed and little-altered Palaeozoic strata in the 

 central portion of the country ; the far-famed mining districts of 

 the Urals, and the grand scenery and varied features of the 

 Caucasus and of Transcaucasia. Seldom may geologists have 

 such an opportunity to contrast within the brief period of a few 

 weeks the forest-clad, moist north lands with the barren, arid 

 regions of the south, or experience in quick succession the sen- 

 sations produced by the boundless horizon of the steppes and 

 by the deep gorges and lofty summits of the Caucasian Alps. 



The liberality of the Czar in presenting the geologists with 

 first-class tickets over all the railroads under Russian control is 

 an act of hospitality fitting the ruler of so great an empire, and 

 one fully appreciated by the geologists of all parts of the world. 

 That it should have been accepted by many who would not 

 otherwise have been able to travel so extensively was to have 

 been expected. And it is not surprising to hear that many per- 

 sons not having claims to the title of geologists have applied for 

 the privileges, to the embarrassment of those in charge of the 



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