1864.] BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 71 



means by whicli the departments of Mineralogy, Botany, and 

 Zoology are combined in one harmonious system, embracing the 

 natural history of the globe. Rash geological statements and 

 conclusions often arise from imperfect knowledge of the sciences 

 included in our Section. Fronds of ferns of different external 

 forms have been described as distinct fossil speiiies or even genera^ 

 the geologist not knowing that very different forms of frond are 

 exhibited by the same species of fern in the present day. Again, 

 another error has arisen from the same form of frond being con- 

 sidered as indieatingthe same species, whereas the same form does 

 occur in different genera in the present flora — and these can only 

 be distinguished by the fructification, which in fossil ferns is 

 rarely seen. So also the same forms of shell may belong to dif- 

 ferent ^e/iera, the only distinction being founded on the teeth, or on 

 some other character of the animal inhabiting the shell ; and such 

 characters are, of course, totally lost in the fossil. Again, the 

 presence of a palm-leaf might be considered by the geologist as 

 indicative of a very hot climate, from his not knowing that some 

 palms occur at high latitudes, and others are met with in mountains 

 associated with cool forms of coniferse. These and numerous 

 instances might be adduced to show the necessity of a perfect 

 acquaintance with the present fauna and flora in all their details 

 before the geologist can determine fossils, or the character of the 

 climate of Palaeontological epochs. There is a mutual bearing of 

 all the natural sciences on each other, and the student of nature 

 must take a comprehensive grasp of all. The natural sciences have 

 always occupied a prominent place in the proceedings of the British 

 Association. The subject is in itself popular, and is interesting 

 to all classes. Much has been said in this Section to advance the 

 sciences of Zoology and Botany, and to stimulate naturalists in 

 their investigations. A great feature of the association which 

 require special notice, is the procuring of reports in different de- 

 partments of science, and the aiding and encouraging of natural- 

 ists in carrying on researches which require much labor and 

 experience for their prosecution. Many a deserving young natu- 

 ralist has thus been enabled to advance science, and lay the foun- 

 dation for future fame and promotion. Another important 

 feature of the Association is the bringing together men of science 

 and promoting free personal intercourse. Perhaps more good has 

 been done by this than even by the reading of papers. Inter- 



