BRITISH ASSOCIATION, MEETING AT EXETER. 293 
of these matters, and for the purpose of showing their applicability to 
particular cases. In estimating the value to be attached to certain 
rs, it is necessary to consider the purpose for which they are 
required. If the object be synthetical—if we are seeking points of 
resemblance, so as to be enabled to group together a large number of 
forms into one or more large aggregates, stress must be laid, in the 
first instance, on the éobgenital characters as serving to bind together 
the greatest numbers; then on those depeudent on frequency of occur- 
rence and special physiological office, afterwards on such others as may 
be forthcoming. If the object be analytical and discriminative, the 
special physiological characters demand the first attention, then those 
which have the merit of frequency and invariability, and then those 
that are congenital. The systematist can very rarely act up to his own 
standard. Individual cases have to be treated on their own merits— 
philosophy has to be sacrificed to expediency, and herein shines the 
light of genius; the tact and insight of a first-class naturalist often 
lead him to make combinations, or to allocate forms, on what seem 
mere grounds of expedience, but which afterwards prove, when fuller 
evidence is gained, to be strietly consistent with philosophical views. 
* On the Law of the Development of Cereals.” By Mr. F. F. Hal- 
lett. From continued observations and experiments, extended over 
nearly twenty years, Mr. Hallett said he had arrived at the following 
conclusions :—1. Every fully developed plant, whether of wheat, oats, 
or barley, presents an ear superior in productive power to any of the 
rest on that plant. 2. Every such plant contains one grain which, 
upon trial, proves more productive than any other. 3. The best grain 
in a given plant is found in its best ear. 4. The superior vigour of 
this grain is transmissible in different degrees to its progeny. 5. By 
repeated careful selection the superiority is accumulated. 6. The im- 
gales which is at first rapid, gradually, after a long series of 
ears, is diminished in amount, and eventually so far arrested that, 
pdu speaking, a limit to improvement in the desired quality is 
reached. 7. By still continuing to select, the improvement is main- 
tained, and practically a fixed type is the result. 
* On the Flora of the Strait of Magellan and West Coast of Pata- 
gonia.” By Dr. R, O. Cunningham. The chief point of this paper 
was that, beginning at the eastern entrance of the strait and proceed- 
ing westwards to Cape Pillar and northwards through the channels ex- 
