SESSION- 1896-97. xliii 



First Conference. 



In opening the proceedings the Chairman referred to the large 

 nnmbcr of delegates present as indicating the appreciation of the 

 Correspontling Societies of their connection with the British 

 Association, and he expressed the hope that the delegates would 

 attend each of the Conferences, so that they might explain to their 

 respective Societies the nature of the work in which they were 

 asked to co-operate. 



District Unions of Natural Ilistonj Societies. — Mr. George Abbott, 

 General Secretary of the South-Eastern Union of Natural History 

 Societies, then read a paper with this title. He remarked that 

 while local jS^atural History Societies had done much good work, 

 yet in many cases their efforts had been weak, irregular, and 

 desultory. He thought the chief cause of failure had been want 

 of organization. A step in the right direction had been taken by 

 the Unions of Scientific Societies already existing, such as those of 

 TorkshLre and the East of Scotland, but he considered that the 

 British Association did not sufficiently foster such unions. He 

 therefore submitted the following scheme (here somewhat abridged) 

 for the consideration of the Conference : — 



1. Districts. — The United Kingdom should be divided into fifteen 

 or twenty districts in which all Natural History Societies should be 

 associated for mutual aid, counsel, and work, existing unions not 

 being disturbed. They might vary in extent, and be dependent, 

 in some measure, on railway facilities. From time to time the 

 areas might be revised. 



2. Congress. — Each union would have its annual congress 

 attended by delegates and members from its afiiliated societies. 

 This would be held in a fresh town every year, with a new 

 President, somewhat after the manner of the British Association. 

 The congresses would probably take place in spring, but two should 

 never be held on the same day. 



3. Union Committees. — Each union would need a general secretary 

 and a committee intimately acquainted with methods of work and 

 the best ambitions of local societies. 



4. Corresponding Members. — Each local society should appoint 

 in every -village in its district a corresponding member with some 

 distinctive title, and certain privileges and advantages. 



The work asked of him would be to — 



(1) Forward surplus natural - history specimens to their 



Society's Museum. 



(2) Supply prompt information on the following subjects : — 



{a) New geological sections. 



(5) Details of wells, borings, springs, etc. 



(c) Finds of geological and antiquarian interest. 



(3) Answer such questions as the British Association or the 



local society may require. 



(4) See to the preservation of historic buildings. 



(5) Assist the Selborne Society in carrying out its objects. 



