230 BLANFORD : GEOLOGICAL CONGRESS- 



members (none were present at the earliest Congresses) has con- 

 tributed to this tendency, it is difficult to say. 



That geological excursions to places of interest and often to 

 localities that have become of classical importance in the history 

 of the science, are of the greatest possible value to working geolo- 

 gists, no one will dispute for a moment. The excursions also sup- 

 plement admirably what, in agreement with many others, I have 

 always regarded as the most important result of geological Congresses, 

 the opportunity afforded to the geologists of different countries, 

 and even of different continents, to become acquainted with each 

 other and to discuss geological questions. But, except indirectly 

 and in the manner specified, it is impossible to regard these pleasant 

 amusements as contributing in any way to the progress of geologi- 

 cal science. 



Lastly, I must express a doubt whether it was of advantage to the 

 work of the Congress and to geological science for the meeting to be 

 held in conjunction with the Great Centennial Exhibition of Paris, 

 with its innumerable distractions of all kinds. The number of mem- 

 bers of the Congress who were in Paris during the greater part or 

 the whole of the term was considerable, but the attendance at the 

 scientific meetings was not large ; I think it was, if anything, smaller 

 than at other Congresses that I have attended. 



The next Congress is to be held in Vienna in 1903, Prof. Suess 

 being nominated as President of the Committee of Organization and 

 Dr. Tietze, Secretary General. In view of the friendly relations 

 that have so long subsisted between Austrian and Indian geologists, 

 the meeting in Vienna will probably offer great attractions to all 

 engaged on the Geological Survey of India. 



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