VARIATIONS OF GLACIERS 553 



since the tenth century. These records lead to the conclusion that 

 glaciers are subject to variations of two orders: primary variations 

 of great amplitude and of unknown duration; and, superposed on 

 them, secondary variations, which, in the Alps, appear to follow 

 Bruckner's law. These oscillations are due to climatic variations, 

 and it is advisable that brief reports of the snowfall should accom- 

 pany the records of glacier variations. 



Since the last congress the commission has suffered severely 

 by the deaths of F. A. Forel, who may be looked upon as the 

 originator of the study of glacier variations; of K. J. V. Steenstrup, 

 who has done such excellent work in Greenland; and of R. S. Tarr, 

 well known for his studies in Alaska. M. Paul L. Mercanton, of 

 Lausanne, succeeds M. Forel as the ordinary member for Switzer- 

 land; M. Paul Harder takes the place of M. Steenstrup representing 

 Denmark; and Mr. Alan G. Ogilvie now represents Great Britain 

 in the place of Mr. Freshfield, who has retired and become a corre- 

 sponding member. Other corresponding members elected recently 

 are: Messrs. J. Rekstad, Adolf Holl, A. O. Wheeler, Lawrence 

 Martin, and F. E. Matthes. 



The officers of the commission elected to serve until the next 

 meeting of the International Congress of Geologists are : Honorary 

 President, Prince Roland Bonaparte; Active President, Dr. Axel 

 Hamberg; Secretary, Dr. Paul L. Mercanton. 



