NOTES. 715 
of Prof. Desor, who recalled the pious custom at ancient festivals 
of evcking the names of departed friends, all rose in silence at the 
mention of two most distinguished members, lately deceased — 
: Pictel de la Rive and Escher von der Linth. Dr. Dor greeted the 
= foreign men of science present at the reunion, prominent among 
4 whom were Milne-Edwards of Paris and Volpicelli of Rome, and 
brought the former to his feet amid much applause. Rival cities 
and rival sections then vied with each other in the interchange of 
= compliments, amid which the hilarity came to an end. All the 
= speeches were voluntary and none occupied more than five minutes. 
After dinner each day excursions were made in the vicinity, 
where, in some private grounds, an unannounced collation awaited 
the guests; one evening was spent in the cathedral, listening to 
the far famed organ; on-the other evenings the members assem- 
bled in the Tivoli gardens, where supper and music were provided. 
No ladies were present on these occasions nor were there more than 
two dozen in attendance in the gallery of the main hall at the 
opening of the general session. 
At the meetings, both general and sectional, hand specimens and 
microscopic objects were freely exhibited, the members constantly 
crowding to the platform to examine them during pauses in the 
remarks, the presiding officer joining with them, until, by return- 
ing to the chair, he indicated the wish of the speaker to resume. 
_ Excepting the introductory remarks of the President there were 
no set addresses whatsoever, in marked contrast with the custom of 
the British Association, where the president of each section inflicts 
alabored discourse upon his auditors. Perhaps we have struck 
the goklen mean, but the Swiss custom has much in its favor. 
Printed lists of the persons present each day were supplied ng 
all in the evening. Each guest was also furnished, on arrival, 
with dinner tickets, a guide book and map of the city ; lodgings 
were provided free for any who wished to accept. The meeting 
next year will be held at Schaffhouse, under the presidency of 
: Dr. Stierlin. — Special Correspondent. 
ie pies 
Specie iu Ae 
Tur recent Meeting of the American Association for the Ad- 
ed forth more 
= Yancement of Science held at Dubuque has call 
Criticism than has usually been given to the annual gatherings of 
this important and truly national body, and much that has been 
said has been adverse to the meeting in a scientific sense. Though 
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