THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION AT MONTREAL. 297 



papers containing reports of the proceedings and for the use of his letters to the 

 Kansas City Journal which we use freely for the benefit of our readers: 



" This is really the British congress of science, and is a large and powerful 

 body of men. Montreal is full of English professors, with a multitude from all 

 portions of the continent. Members of the American Association for the Ad- 

 vancement of Science have been made corresponding members, and we have 

 delegations of professors from all parts of the United States. The meeting has 

 also brought together many notables in the political and business world. 



" Professor Cayley, Lly.D., F. R. S. , the retiring president, is absent, and 

 Sir William Thomson gave the address of the retiring president. Sir William 

 Thomson was a second v/rangler at Cambridge, and is one of the leading elec- 

 tricians in the world. He has published a great variety of papers, making impor- 

 tant contributions to his department, and on the completion of the Atlantic cable 

 in 1866 was knighted and presented with the freedom of the city of Glasgow. 

 The EngUsh Government and institutions of learning have showered down upon 

 him about all the honors and degrees possible, and he seems to be worthy of 

 them. 



"The first day was a notable one. During the morning hours the various 

 sections were getting into working order. There are sections in mathematical 

 and physical science, chemical science, geology, biology, geography, economic 

 science and statics, mechanical science and anthropology. The papers read 

 before these sections are from the most distinguished men in their several depart- 

 ments, and contain the most recent developments. 



" At 4:30 P. M. there was a civic reception at Queen's Hall, when the mayor 

 of Montreal, who wore his chain of office, gave the members of the Association 

 a hearty welcome. The hall was crowded and the platform was full of distin- 

 guished men from England and America. Sir William Thomson acknowledged 

 in cordial terms the hearty welcome extended by the mayor. Sir John A. Mc- 

 Donald, the premier, then came forward and addressed the meeting, making a 

 very pleasant address of welcome in behalf of the dominion. 



" In the evening Queen's Hall was filled to overflowing with an audience of 

 gentlemen and ladies such as seldom convene in this country. As we looked 

 upon the sea of upturned faces, a gentleman from this side of the water remarked : 

 'This is an opportunity of a lifetime.' His excellency the governor-general, 

 Lord Lansdowne, Lady Lansdowne, and suite, were on the platform. Lord 

 Lansdowne gave a most excellent address, which received frequent applause. 

 The lord is a clever speaker in the English sense. 



" Lord Rayleigh's address, the president elect, was the event of the evening. 

 Lord Rayleigh is a very eminent man in the higher mathematics and physics. 

 He gave a rapid review of science in his department of physics. He spoke 

 very feelingly of the death of Sir William Siemens, who has occupied a very 

 conspicuous place in the working of the Association and in the development 

 of the dynamo machine. He was also actively engaged in many other inventions 

 which have proved of great use. The address summed up the progress of science 



