


1891.] i Editorial, 809 
The discussions as arranged by the committee of management 
had reference, 1st, to the general principles of stratigraphic correla- 
tion ; 2d, to the system of colors for geologic maps; and 3d, to 
the system of classifications of the Plistocene deposits. The 
necessity for discussion of the principles of correlation was not 
very apparent, since those principles are well known and generally 
adopted. The discussion, however, brought out some considera- 
tion of intercontinental and transcontinental applications of these 
principles, which were entirely appropriate to an international 
congress. Much of the discussion, however, bore on the question 
as stated, and was either inappropriate or local in its bearings. 
The discussion on the classification of the Plistocene was based 
on two systems, one offered by Mr. McGee and the other by 
President Chamberlin. Both are physical systems, and not histori- 
cal, as was observed by various gentlemen who took part in the 
discussion. They were, however, of universal application, and 
many interesting facts were brought out, especially with reference 
to. the existence or not of an interglacial warm climate on both 
hemispheres. 
The congress was entertained by receptions at the Arlington 
Hotel, the U.S. National Museum, and the private houses of 
Messrs. Thomas Wilson and S. F. Emmons. Nearly all the 
foreign members took part in the excursion to the Rocky Moun- 
tains, Grand Canyon of the Colorado, and Yellowstone Park, 
which left Washington, September 2d, from which they are 
expected to return about September 25th. Before the meeting of 
the congress many of the members visited the paleontological 
collections at New Haven and Princeton, and during the con- 
gress, the collection of Prof. Cope at Philadelphia. Some interest- 
ing specimens from New Haven were exhibited in the U. S. 
National Museum. 
The congress was overtaken at its opening bya spell of hot 
weather, which constituted a drawback to the enjoyment of some 
of the members. As an educator to the younger American 
geologists it was a successful occasion. We can point out some 
material defects of management which would not have occurred 
had the meeting been held in Philadelphia, as originally intended ; 
but we postpone this for another occasion. 



