1846-47 
BRITISH ASSOCIATION 
287 
and splendid results of yourself, Agassiz, and 
Edward Forbes will form a fine base-line for a 
geologist who desires to show the solid founda- 
tions on which his science rests.’ 
In a letter dated September ii, 1846, Owen 
gives his wife an account of the proceedings o, 
the British Association : — 
‘ Yesterday evening Sir R. Murchison spoke 
his address. Prince Albert and a brilliant suite, 
with Lord Palmerston, honoured the meeting with 
their attendance. There was only room for the 
Presidents of sections and distinguished foreigners 
On the platform, where, after the address, the 
Prince spoke or bowed affably to each of us. . . . 
Pell Broderip that, viewing the galaxy of stars 
with which our President was surrounded last nieht, 
the Prince on his right, and thanks proposed to 
him by the Foreign Secretary in a flattering 
Speech, it seemed a veritable apotheosis of 
hlurchison.’ 
At this meeting Owen was President of the 
Zoological Section, and he writes to his wife 
(September 14) : ‘ Lyell told me that Herschel 
''^as so delighted [with Owen’s address] that his 
^M^ressions and manner were like those of a child, 
•^ost of the generalisations respecting our old 
Mammalia being quite neiv to him. Buckland, 
‘■Agassiz, Lyell, and Murchison spoke after I had 
^nded. . . . Next morning (Saturday) Sir Philip 
