FOREWORD 



This volume contains papers read at a Conference on 'The Biology and Produc- 

 tivity of Hot and Cold Deserts', organised by the Institute of Biology, and held at 

 the Royal Institution during September 25th, 26th and 27th, 1952. The Symposium 

 consisted of six sessions devoted to various aspects of desert biology as follows :- 



I Climate and Physical Environment 

 II Plant Ecology 



III Entomology and Ecology 



IV Economic Aspects 



V Mammalian Physiology and Ecology : I 

 VI Mammalian Physiology and Ecology : II 



It was opened by Dr Edward Hindle, F.R.S. President of the Institute. In 

 welcoming delegates from abroad, Dr Hindle mentioned that the United Nations 

 Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation had shown a special interest in 

 the conference, and had contributed toward the travelling expenses of speakers from 

 oversea. A meeting of the Unesco Arid Zone Committee took place immediately 

 after the symposium. 



Most of the papers were naturally concerned with the scientific problems in- 

 volved in attempts to increase the productivity of deserts and arid zones to meet the 

 ever increasing needs of a hungry world. A synopsis of some of the chief topics 

 mentioned in the various discussions has been provided. 



The publication of this volume has been assisted by a grant from Unesco. The 

 Council of the Institute of Biology wishes to record its gratitude to Unesco for this 

 assistance. 



The Editor would like to extend a personal appreciation to Mr D. J. B. Copp, 

 General Secretary of the Institute of Biology and to Mr C. A. Ronan and Miss T. J. 

 Tippett of the Secretariat of the Royal Society. 



J . L. Cloudsley - Thompson 



Editor. 



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