Branch meetings

The experience of several of the Branches having the largest membership has led to decided improvements in their practice. Some of them have prepared excellent schedules covering the entire season, and in these cases original papers are usually to be provided by local or visiting members. There now appears to be a better understanding regarding the use of papers which have been presented at the New York meetings, which may be abstracted and discussed if deemed advisable by the local officers or committees, in case nothing more suitable can be provided for the local meeting. Where the author can present an important paper in person, especially if accompanied by demonstrations or lantern slides, the best results are attained. One precaution should always be carefully observed. The person who presents a paper at any meeting should be a member or a person of such standing that there can be no question as to the merits of his subject or the manner in which it is treated. While the actual presentation of a paper of an inferior grade might cause no harm, the fact that it has been read at an Institute meeting may be used for advertising purposes or in some objectionable way which would cause annoyance. There should be little difficulty in making inquiries in advance, thus avoiding any such possibility. The By-laws provide that unless accepted by the Institute for publication, no reference should be made to its presentation at an Institute meeting, if published elsewhere by the author.