The great interest being taken at present in the use of aeroplanes in connection with mining, shown in the reception given to a recent paper before the Institution, has suggested to the author that a paper may be welcomed which deals with aerial survey as an aid to the geologist and to the prospector, and which attempts to put before members information on the subject, much of which is available but not altogether accessible.

An occasional glance into the past is often of interest. The following notes refer to an event which was one of the principal landmarks in the history of aeronautics, and which attracted much interest abroad, especially in France. It is hardly necessary to remind the reader that the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain subsequently referred to, is now the Royal Aeronautical Society.

The year 1868 was a year of mark in aeronautics, for it was then that the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain held the first Aero Exhibition in the Crystal Palace.