Abstract
THAT four hundred members of the British Association have recently visited the principal places of interest in South Africa, that they have been the recipient of magnificent hospitalities, that they have read papers and discussed points of importance bearing upon the development of African colonies, are facts well known to the reading public. Although so much has been written and said about what the association has done, but little has been conjectured as to possible outcomes from this remarkable excursion. To many the expedition may appear as a gigantic “picnic,” the members participating in which have had a hurried glance at Africa and have returned with that modicum of knowledge which is proverbially regarded as dangerous. If, however, we turn to a list of the names of those who were members of the association party, and observe that it includes those of recognised leaders in science, literature, and in a variety of professions, casual conclusions of this nature are at once dispelled. What is realised instead is that South Africa has been visited by a number of specialists whose services are frequently retained by Governments and corporate bodies. No doubt these gentlemen have learned much, but it is difficult to imagine that they left South Africa without leaving some small return. Now that they are back in Britain it is tolerably certain that they have brought with them opinions bearing upon railways, mines, agriculture, emigration, and on other matters connected with the development of South Africa, all of which will command attention. A well known eastern country which sends its experts to exploit the western world attains a similar end by systematised departmental methods.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MILNE, J. The British Association and our Colonies. Nature 73, 77 (1905). https://doi.org/10.1038/073077a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/073077a0
This article is cited by
-
Geschichte der Botanisierb�chse
�sterreichische Botanische Zeitschrift (1936)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.