In tlie Physical department, W. H. Hammond, Esq., of 

 Milton Cliapel, contributed a paper, the impoilance of which 

 cannot be overrated, " On the value of Phosphates in the 

 soil." This was illustrated by a series of ably conducted 

 experiments. 



The Committee hope that the Physical and Chemical 

 departments of Science may be more fully brought forward 

 dm'ing the ensuing year than they have previously been. 



The Botanical depai-tment has not been so well 

 represented as the Committee could have Avished. The lady 

 members are particularly requested to give encom'agement to 

 this most beautiful of the sciences by bringing wild flower 

 bouquets to the meetings during the summer months, 

 remembering that plants which by some are regarded as most 

 insignificant, not unfrequently constitute the most interesting 

 scientific specimens. 



An exception to the neglect that has been experienced 

 in this department is the paper " On the Coca Shrub," read 

 by Donald Baynes, Esq., M.D., M.A., F.E.G.S., at the May 

 meeting. 



The Microscopical depai-tment has been ably re- 

 presented by the original work of oiu- Hon. Assistant 

 Secretary, Mr. J. Fullagar, whose painstaking investigations 

 and beautiful delineations of natural objects make oiu" 

 Association known far beyond the locality that gives name 

 to the Society. Mr. Fullagar's researches are published 

 •with the transactions, illustrated by a frontispiece of actual 

 drawings, from the microscope of living objects, copied 

 photographically by the well-known photographer, Mr. 

 Bateman, of St. Greorge's Street, Canterbiuy, to whom the 

 Society are indebted for 150 copies, vdth. which Mr. Bateman 

 has generously presented it. 



Entomology is represented by a paper " On Ants," by 

 Colonel Horsley, E.E., by whom the microscopical section 

 has through the season been ably supported with sustained 

 interest by the beauty and variety of objects shown under 

 his microscope. 



