1 9, 5* J Field Naturalists' Club — Proceedings. 41 



" In compliance with a request made that the members of 

 the Club interested in microscopical research might be afforded 

 an opportunity of displaying some of the wonders and beauties 

 of the microscopical world at one of the ordinary meetings, 

 the committee arranged that the evening of the 10th August 

 be devoted to this purpose, and, though the resulting display 

 did not represent the best efforts of those concerned, it was 

 interesting and instructive to many, and could well bear 

 repetition at an early date. 



" Last year the British Association for the Advancement of 

 Science held its meetings in various State capitals of the 

 Commonwealth. The inauguration of the president-elect, 

 Professor William Bateson, held in the Auditorium, Collins- 

 street, on Friday, 14th August, was witnessed by a large and 

 distinguished concourse of people, who subsequently listened 

 with interest to his able and exhaustive address on ' Heredity.' 

 On Tuesday afternoon, the 18th August, the visiting scientists 

 were welcomed by the Victorian Executive for the B.A.A.S. 

 and various scientific societies of the metropolis at a garden 

 party in the Botanic Gardens. The Club was well represented 

 at this function, as well as at other meetings of the Association. 



" The usual annual exhibition of wild-flowers was held in 

 the Royal Society's Hall at the October meeting, but, owing 

 to the abnormally dry season, the display was very meagre, 

 and inferior to those of previous years. Nevertheless, an 

 interesting exhibit of many of our common native plants 

 resulted from the praiseworthy efforts of a small and enthusi- 

 astic band of collectors. On this occasion, as on the occasions 

 of many similar exhibitions, Mr. J. Gabriel devoted much time 

 and labour in making provision for the various collections 

 forwarded. The thanks of the Club are due to this veteran 

 naturalist for his services, to the collectors and exhibitors of 

 flowers and specimens, and to those assisting in the arrange- 

 ment and identification of exhibits, and to the Age proprietary 

 for the supply of paper for covering the tables on this and 

 many similar occasions. 



" At the July meeting, the innovation of requesting exhibitors 

 to make some brief comment on their exhibits was initiated. 

 By this means the committee believed a far greater amount 

 of interesting and instructive information would be forth- 

 coming than under the system heretofore prevailing. So far 

 the results accruing have not been as good as was anticipated, 

 but, as members become more familiar with the system and 

 realize its possibilities, better consequences may be confidently 

 expe< ted. Whilst a general consensus of opinion exists re- 

 garding the latent advantages of the innovation mentioned, 

 members are more or less divided on the advisability of con- 



