WANTED THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND 9 



send in the slips for a given part of the literature. The 

 preparation of monographs suitable for publication on any 

 part of the field must be done by those whose study the 

 groups have been ; but the co-operation of specialists may 

 be relied upon for this part of the work. 



To permit of the issue of such monographs, with the 

 requisite maps, of the index to the past literature and of the 

 annual reports, and possibly of a journal on a fairly adequate 

 scale, will require financial support from a pretty large 

 number of members, if, as is much to be desired, the sub- 

 scription be not more than ten shillings a year ; for it is 

 much to be wished that the help afforded by such publications 

 should reach all to whom it would be of service, many of 

 whom could not afford to pay a large subscription. 



But if developed, as the work of the society should be, 

 into a national survey, there is reason to hope that it would 

 commend itself to those who could and would give it 

 financial support that would permit of its being carried on 

 with success. 



In conclusion, may I ask that the question of organising 

 such a survey be considered, neither overlooking nor 

 exaggerating the difficulties and labour involved. The 

 need of some such organisation has been keenly felt by the 

 Editors of this magazine, and also doubtless by many others, 

 who may have been deterred by the apparent greatness of 

 the task. Co-operation and co-ordination of the efforts 

 already employed would make a successful commencement 

 of the work possible without delay. 



Discussion will be welcomed, whether of details towards 

 carrying out the scheme, or of obstacles that would oppose 

 it, for it is well to know the difficulties to be overcome. It 

 would be helpful if those that approve generally of the 

 proposals would indicate their approval through this journal 

 or to myself. 



UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN. 



