The British Association

Abstract

WITH reference to the views expressed by correspondents in NATURE as to the future of the British Association, based, it would seem, in large measure on the rather disappointing attendance at the recent meeting at Cardiff, it appears to me there were reasons for this irrespective of any decadence of the Association. May not the date being so near the height of the holiday season—viz. the end of August rather than the beginning of September, as on so many previous occasions—be accountable for the absence of some members? In these times there are more counter-attractions than formerly for scientific workers and others interested in scientific or professional subjects in connection with their own special annual gatherings. Having yielded to the claims of these, they cannot afford the time or expense of attending the British Association meeting in addition. For example, a friend of mine residing in South Wales, whom I hoped to meet at Cardiff, expressed his regret at not being able to be present, as he had to expend all his spare time during the first two weeks in August at the national Eisteddfod of Wales at Barry and the annual meeting of the Welsh Bibliographical Society also held there, and at the Cambrian Archæological Association meeting in Gower. In some instances the increased railway fares (and no reduction as formerly) and hotel and other expenses acted as deterrents, and not any falling off of interest in the Association that kept many away. The bulk of the usual attenders at the British Association belong to the class who have been most severely hit by the present hard times.