— 430 — 



Exhibition Eooms. History, Geography, Geology^. 

 Chemistry, Paleonthology, Botany, Zoology, Elec- 

 tricity, Trade, Statistics, each had one or more elo- 

 quent exponents. Of all the eminent men I saw or 

 listened to, the " veteran of science, " as his confreres 

 took pleasure in styling him, white-haired, genial old 

 Eichard Owen and Professor Huxley, attracted most 

 my attention. Though I did not feel myself called on 

 to accept at once the bright, but uncertain light of Evo- 

 lution, how could I fail being struck with the lucidity 

 of exposition, the marvellous flow of oratory, the glow 

 of science, at the easy and constant command of Pro- 

 fessor Huxley : a born orator ? 



The subjects which engaged the attention of the 

 Association were of a most varied nature and touched 

 nearly every department of science. 



Many were very novel ; some, rather abstruse ;. 

 several, though seemingly of paramount interest to 

 savants, apparently, not practical for the million. I 

 subjoin a few by way of illustration : 



Dr. S. Houghton read a paper : On the Effects of 

 Gulf Streams upon Climate." 



The new President Dr. C. W. Siemens " On some 

 Applications of Electric Energy to Horticultural and 

 Agricultural Purposes" and gave out as the result of 

 his experiments that the growth of plants and flowers can 

 be greatly stimulated by giving them by night, Electric 

 light ; this novel theory attracted much attention. A. W. 

 Bennett : spoke " On the colours of Spring Flowers" 



Professor E. W. Atkinson read a communication 

 intituled : "Brewing in Japan." 



Professor J. Prestwich, held forth : " On the causes 

 of Volcanic action." 



Dr. Beddoe : " On the stature of the Inhabitants of 

 Hungary." 



Wm. E. A. Axon : " On Com and Cattle." 



Wm. Westgarth, of London : " On a general Bank- 

 ing Law for the United Kingdom." 



