10 H. G. SMITH. 
of some of the scientific results of the Shackleton Hxpedi- 
tion. Professor T. W. Hdgeworth David, F.R.S., B.A., etc., 
has just returned from Hurope, having there completed and 
prepared for press the first volume of the geological reports 
of that expedition. lam sure we all congratulate Professor 
David on the completion, so far, of a work of such magni- 
tude. 
The meeting of the British Association in Australia this 
year is such a momentous epoch in the scientific life of this 
country, that every effort should be made to render the 
meetings to be held here in August next as successful as 
possible. That the British Association should have decided 
to hold its annual meeting in 1914 so far from the centre 
of the Empire, is indeed a compliment to us, and a recog- 
nition of the efforts of the scientific workers of this young 
country. This visit will act as a stimulus to the aspira- 
tions and ambitions of Australian scientists, and encourage 
them to work with renewed energy in the future. The 
liberal financial assistance given to this undertaking by the 
Federal and State Governments—described in detail in the 
Presidential Address of last year—is a matter for gratifi- 
cation on all sides. We, asa Society, are not unmindful 
of this generosity, and fully appreciate the help thus given. 
The British Association has, since its inception, done much 
to foster a progressive scientific spirit throughout the 
British Dominions, and has followed, in this particular, the 
policy enunciated in the preface to the first report in 1831, 
a paragraph in which reads as follows:—“‘ witha just sense, 
therefore, of the consequences to Science of combining the 
Philosophical Societies dispersed throughout the provinces 
of the Empire in a general co-operative union.’’ We in 
Australia can reciprocate the spirit of such a policy, and 
endeavour to do our share towards its consummation. 
I take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to the 
Honorary Secretaries and to the Honorary Treasurer for 
