283 BRITISH ASSOCIATION, MEETING AT EXETER. 
specific distinctness rest on several slight differences, not on a single 
character only; and the situation of growth is very unlike the usually 
ry places in which the typical 4. flewuosa prevails. I find their 
technical distinctions somewhat exaggerated in books, through the too 
usual practice of describing the opposite extremes, and neglecting the 
intermediate or approximating examples. Looking at specimens from 
France and Sweden, along with those from Hampshire, it would seem 
that the ligule gives the readiest practical character, being much longer 
and more acute, whiter and more membranous in the Æ. uliginosa ; 
next, the seeming inequality of the two florets, through the longer 
pedicel of the second floret in 4. uliginosa. As to the alleged differ- 
ences between the leaves, the sizes of the flowers, and the erect or 
drooping panicles, I fear these are too slight and variable for much 
practical use in diagnosis. A considerable number of viviparous 
panicles were observed about Fleet Pond. I have seen A. flexuosa in 
that condition on our northern mountains; never so in South England, 
according to present recollection. 
BRITISH ASSOCIATION, MEETING AT EXETER. 
At the inaugural meeting, in the evening, Dr. Hooker, the outgoing 
President, having vacated the chair, it was then occupied by Professor 
Stokes, President-elect, who then proceeded to deliver his address, of 
which we give such extracts as may be of interest to our readers. 
THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 
Objects of the Association. 
My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,—As this is the’ first time that 
the British Association for the Advancement of Science has met in the 
city of Exeter, and it is probable that many now present have never 
attended a former meeting, I hope the older members of the Associa- 
tion will bear with me if I say a few words in explanation of the ob- 
jects for which the Association was instituted. In the first, place, then, 
it aims at fulfilling an office which is quite distinct from that of the 
various scientific societies which are established in different parts of the 
country. These, for the most part, have for their leading object to 
make the voluntary labours of isolated workers in science available to 
