1904-1905-] The Aims of Field-Club Excursions. 223 



it would be most illuminating, — it would show us how much 

 in ordinary life is possible only through the action of micro- 

 scopic organisms. It has been said that there are as many 

 such organisms in, say, a cubic inch of good old ripe cheese as 

 the human population of Europe ! 



(15) In this city of breweries we should surely be able to 

 arrange an excursion to a brewery, and see how much depends 

 on the tiny yeast plant, and how different results are produced 

 by different varieties, even if we might not find pure cultures. 



(16) A visit to a bacteriological laboratory could perhaps 

 also be arranged. I don't mean, where pathogenic bacteria 

 are cultivated, but where economic bacteria are studied, and 

 we might get a glimpse into the vital processes continually 

 going on in the soil. 



(17) Few more informing excursions could be made than 

 occasional visits to experimental agricultural institutions. 

 We should try to get some idea of the important work 

 that is being done there in giving a scientific basis to the 

 cultivation of the plants and animals on which human 

 civilisation chiefly depends. There is such an experimental 

 farm at Kilmarnock. 



(18) An excursion which would furnish material for much 

 prolific thought would be a visit to the fruit-farms near 

 Blairgowrie, if such an excursion be practicable. In summer 

 some hundreds of women-workers are employed : they have 

 country air in one of the most beautiful parts of Perthshire, 

 good food, and healthy dwellings. It is altogether a social 

 work of great interest and importance. 



(19) In speaking of rearing crops and fruits, a visit might 

 be paid to the institution at Corstorphine, which aims at 

 developing the well-instructed female gardener. 



(20) At some of our excursions a few practical demon- 

 strations might be given to the more philosophical aspect of 

 the field - naturalist's studies : for example, a little study of 

 species-making might be taken up. I saw once one of our 

 members make a very interesting and quite unprepared 

 attempt of this kind. It was in May or June, when many 

 plants of the Ranunculus family were in flower. He gathered 

 a handful of different kinds, — R. Lingua, Flammula, o^pens, 

 hulbosiis, sceleratus, and ac7'is. 1 don't remember whether he 



VOL. V, p 



