recorded swells corresponds to a wave velocity about equal to that of the greatest recorded hourly velocity of wind (the velocity of the dominant wave in storms being much lower).

It may be added that no records of swells have been met with having periods approaching those appropriate to a deep-sea velocity equal to that attained during the gusts of a storm.

Mathematical investigations have pointed to the tendency of wind finally to produce steep waves of velocity equal, or almost equal, to that of the wind. When, however, we come to compare the observed velocities of wind, the observed dimensions of cyclonic storms, and the lengths of waves of velocity equal, or nearly equal, to that of the strongest winds, we find that we rapidly approach a condition of things when the stretch of water subject at any one time to such wind is only a small multiple of the wave length; a condition in which steep waves could not be maintained.

On Regular Undulations produced in a Road by the Use of Sledges.

An investigation on this subject was completed after last year's report had been sent in, but was made the subject of a paper to Section G (Belfast meeting). These undulations have been observed both in snow and in ordinary road material. Those in snow are a familiar feature in Canada and are termed cahots. An illustration is here given of 'cahots' in ordinary road material as observed upon the road to a slate quarry at Coniston, Lancs. (Plate X.).

The chief result of the investigation may be summarised thus: when the detritus consolidates readily under pressure, undulations arise spontaneously by the action of a steadily moving sledge when furrowing a homogeneous road. The wedge of detritus travelling in front of the prow of the sledge becomes compacted, the sledge surmounts it (rolling like a wheel), and the detritus remains behind as an excrescence incorporated with the road. At the same time the sledge pitches, furrowing the road more deeply and accumulating detritus in front, which it finally surmounts with the rolling movement which assists to compress and bind the material, building up the next crest.

Wave Phenomena of the Niagara.

I have visited Niagara Falls, N.Y., with a view to reporting upon some of the characters of the waves of rivers which I judged would be seen in full development in the Rapids below the Falls. Three weeks' work showed that the choice of locality for this study was a good one, and afforded opportunity also for the study of phenomena of a kindred character in the falls themselves and in the whirlpool. Indeed, it is to the periodic and pulsative movements that much of the distinctive character and interest of the Falls and Rapids are due.

There has not yet been sufficient time to work up the results of these observations for publication.

As an indication of the character of the phenomena observed at Niagara it may, however, be stated that in the tremendous current of the Whirlpool Rapids (depth about 50 feet) there is, in addition to the usual stationary waves of rivers, a remarkable development of visible travelling waves, giving rise to many complex and beautiful results and contributing

to the formation of the enormous leaping waves which are one of the most awful exhibitions of the conflict of waters which the world affords. What is here termed the 'leaping wave' is a variety of wave almost as distinctive as the 'breaker' or 'the swell.'

Women's Labour.-Third and Final Report of the Committee, consisting of Mr. E. W. BRABROOK (Chairman), Mr. A. L. BOWLEY (Secretary), Miss A. M. ANDERSON, Miss BLACKBURN, Mr. C. BOOTH, Professor S. J. CHAPMAN, Miss C. E. COLLET, Professor F. Y. EDGEWORTH, Mrs. J. R. MACDONALD, Mr. L. L. PRICE, Professor W. SMART, Dr. G. ADAM SMITH, and Mrs. H. J. TENNANT, appointed to investigate the Economic Effect of Legislation regulating Women's Labour. (Drawn up by the Secretary.)

III. Effect on Size of Workshops and Factories

322

IV. Effect on Employment of Women and Methods of Production

324

(General Statistics, p. 14; Statistics re Bleaching and Clothing, p. 18.)

342

350

361

364

APPENDIX

I. Reports of Investigators

II. Special Report on Laundries. By Miss ANDERSON.

III. The Factory Acts and Infant Mortality

IV. Recent Legislation Abroad. By E. W. BRABROOK

THE Committee have associated with them in their work Miss HeatherBigg and Mrs. Bosanquet. They desire to express their deep regret at the death of Miss Helen Blackburn, who was a regular and valued attendant at their meetings.

Miss Collet wishes it to be understood that she is unable from her official position to express any opinions on the subject under investigation. Her examination and criticism of the evidence submitted has, however, been of the greatest value to the Committee.

Dr. C. Booth, Professor W. Smart, and Dr. G. Adam Smith have been unable to attend the meetings of the Committee at which this report was prepared and their conclusions on the matters in question have not been communicated to the Committee.

The Committee have obtained further information from investigators, the essential parts of which are included in their report or its appendices. They consider that, though it has not been practicable to cover the whole field of their inquiry, they have practically exhausted the means of investigation open to them and have obtained sufficient information, on the more important points on which evidence is procurable, to justify them in arriving at certain conclusions and closing their work.

The following reports have been received by the Committee, including those summarised last year :

The Committee have also received memoranda on the Statistics of Dangerous Trades from Mr. Wood, and on general statistics of Women's Employment from Miss Collet.

Extensive use has been made of the reports of the Chief Inspector of Factories, which have been issued at half-yearly or yearly intervals since 1834.4

In all cases the investigators were supplied with directions respecting the exact questions on which the Committee desired information, and their work has been subjected to all practicable tests before being used as evidence on which the Committee could come to a decision; but, as stated last year, it must be understood that the Committee do not necessarily assent to the opinions given under the names of their contributors.

It will be seen that reports have been received with regard to most of the important industries, and most of the important towns and districts in England and Wales, in which large numbers of women, affected by the Factory Acts, are employed; but it has not been found practicable to institute inquiries in Norwich, Aberdeen, Dundee, or Belfast, or to investigate industries in which there is much home-work, or in which much work is given out from the larger factories or workshops to be done elsewhere (principally the ready-made clothing, tailoring, and other wearing-apparel industries) with the thoroughness which the Committee

Already published in the Belfast Report, pp. 287–306.

2 These reports are referred to in the sequel by the italicised words.

The notes kindly communicated by this Committee were prepared for their book, Women in the Printing Trades, about to be issued.

Reference to these is made thus: Factory Inspector's Report, 1894, the date given being that to which the report relates