254 HARRY FIELDING REID 



force as the time of ai)])lication of the force increases. This might 

 explain some of the chfliculties, but many difficult cjuestions of glacier 

 physics arise in this connection. 



The International Committoe serves as a natural point of union 

 for all investigators of glacier phenomena, and is doing good work 

 in encouraging glacier sluch"cs.' 



The following is a summary of the eighth annual report of the 

 International Committee on glaciers:'' 



REPOKT OF GLACIERS I'OR I902. 



Swiss Alps. — Of the ninety-five glaciers which are being observed, 

 seventy-eight were measured in 1902. The great majority of them 

 are in a state of recession, and it is probable that the 680 other Swiss 

 glaciers are receding also. The recession is therefore general, though 

 there is a slight tendency this year to advance, shown especially 

 among the glaciers in the southwest Bernese Alps. The little glacier 

 of Boveyre, which has been advancing for ten years as a result of 

 a great increase in material due to an avalanche, has begun to retreat.^ 



Eastern Alps.— On the south side of the Ortler, two glaciers have 

 retreated 3.5-1 1™; one has probably made a shght advance. In 

 the Silvretta group three glaciers show a retreat of 400-500"^ since 

 the last maximum in 1850-60. In the Oetzthal the Vernagtferner, 

 which last year showed an advance of 50™ and a remarkable increase 

 in velocity of from 210"^ to 240'^, has suddenly decreased its speed 

 to not more than one-third of its highest value; it has, however, 

 advanced 20'", and has swollen in its lower part. Its neighbor, 

 the Guslarferner, has been stationary for many years. 



' Professor Harry Fielding Reid, of Baltimore, was elected president of the com- 

 mittee for the ensuing three years, and M. E. Muret, of Lausanne, was re-elected as 

 secretary. Professor Nathorst retired from the committee and was elected a corre- 

 sponding member. Baron G. de Geer was elected to succeed him as representing the 

 Arctic regions. Colonel J. von Schokalsky had already been elected to succeed the 

 late Professor J. Mouschketow, who took such an active part in the work of the com- 

 mittee. The following additional corresponding members were elected: Professor 

 Dr. A. Bliimcke, of Nuremberg;; Professor Dr. Hans Hess, of Ansbach; Professor Dr. 

 A. Pcnck, of Vienna; and Mr. George Vaux, of Philadelphia. 



- Arcliives des sciences physiques et naturelles, Vol. XV, pp. 661-77; Vol. XVI, pp. 

 86-104. 



^ Report of Professor Forel and M. Muret. 



