l8o MEETING OF CORRESPONDING SOCIETIES* 



introduced at Croydon. Is there any reason why the Essex Field 

 Club should not, in like manner, institute a division for young 

 members, who would at least be attracted by the excursions, 

 and having acquired, by contact with naturalists, a love for the 

 study of natural science, would pass in due course into the Club- 

 as ordinary members ? 



As the outcome of the discussion on the President's address, 

 the following resolution was ultimately proposed and carried 

 unanimously —a similar resolution having been passed in 

 the various sections : — 



"That, as urged by the President in his address, it is desirable that scientific 

 workers and persons interested in science be so organised that they may exert 

 permanent influence on public opinion, in order more effectively to carry out the- 

 third object of this Association, originally laid down by its founders, viz., " To' 

 obtain a more general attention to the objects of science and the removal of any 

 disadvantages of a public kind which impede its progress," and that the Council 

 be asked to take steps to promote such organisation." 



A paper was read by INIr. W. Rankin, B.Sc, of Leeds, on- 

 " The Methods and Results of a Botanical Survey of Counties." 

 The late Dr. Robert Smith, of Dundee, commenced such a 

 survey in Scotland, and his brother, Dr. W. G. Smith, and Mr.. 

 Rankin have recently published the results of their work in 

 Yorkshire. The chief object of this Botanical Survey is to 

 reduce to certain well-defined terms the vegetation of a county, 

 and then to examine the biological features of each term. 

 The scenery is regarded as a function of the vegetation, as. 

 well as of the rocks. In the somewhat difficult area of the 

 West Riding of Yorkshire, about fifteen groupings, or plant- 

 associations, more or less well-marked, are distinguished. In 

 the moorlands there are five types— the bilberry summit, the 

 cotton-grass moor, the heather moor, the grass-heath, and the 

 limestone hill pasture. Five groups are also recognised in the 

 woods, namely coniferous upland, and lowland oak, ash-hazel 

 copse and beach. The areas of cultivation include the lowdand 

 wheat and the upland oats. In some places a lowland swamp 

 vegetation is developed. 



"The mapping of a large area is not the only end sought [observed ]Mr.. 

 Rankin]. In surveying any district, moorland, woodhmd, or wheatland, 

 extensive notes are taken of the nature of the plant associations and the various- 

 conditions under which they exist. In order that our conclusions may be sounder, 

 excursions are taken at all times of the year. Notes taken in one district are: 



