68 



DR. JON STEFANSSON, PH.D., ON ICELAND. 



from memory. If I did I think it would not be once in three years, 

 for I should not have finished it by then. 



I observe the Lecturer with great prudence avoided saying where 

 the trial by jury came from. I am disposed to imitate his prudence 

 because I think the simplest form would be to say, " I don't know,' 

 and I doubt whether any one else does know. These things grow 

 up and their beginnings cannot be identified. I have a strong 

 suspicion that there is a certain rough likeness about it to Greek 

 laws, but that would bring us into a long discussion. At all events, 

 we can say that it is a great example that so interesting a paper — 

 so remotely interesting a paper — should be read in our Society ; 

 and I have the greatest possible pleasure in seconding the vote of 

 thanks which has been moved on the Author's behalf, and hoping — as 

 has been hinted — that we may have another paper from him equally 

 interesting. It could not be more so than this which we have 

 had to-night. 



Dr. Stefansson, replying, said it had been an honour for him to 

 be allowed to read his paper to the Society. The paper had been 

 greatly compressed, and perhaps it was difficult to understand some 

 points ; but perhaps on another occasion he would be allowed to 

 make these points clearer. 



A vote of thanks was passed to the President. 



