270 TRANSACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE [Sess. lxvii. 



Smith and by Mr. Hardy, brings prominently into view 

 the chief characteristic features of local floras ; but, 

 though it will thus add very greatly to our knowledge 

 of the topographical botany of Scotland, it yet leaves 

 much untouched, and there is ample room for other 

 methods also in attacking the problem. It appears to 

 me that success can be attained only by the co-operation 

 of numerous workers, having a common end in view, but 

 concentrating their efforts on such parts of the problem as 

 leisure and opportunity give them a reasonable hope of 

 advancing. More will be done of permanent value by 

 knowing a limited area thoroughly . than by visits to 

 localities noted for their floral wealth, though one's 

 herbarium may not contain so many rarities. 



A new factor to be considered in this connection has 

 been introduced by the requirement now imposed on 

 those that are entering the teaching profession, that 

 they shall be qualified to give instruction in nature- 

 study. It may reasonably be expected that among the 

 new teachers some will seek to acquaint themselves with 

 the natural objects of the districts in which they live. 

 Indeed, to become successful teachers of the methods of 

 nature-study they must know what resources are within 

 their reach. Valuable aid may be looked for in a few 

 years from them. But they also require aid ; and it 

 would be well that in the preparation of local floras this 

 should be kept in view. 



It may be said that as yet I have been speaking chiefly 

 of defects in such topographical records as we have, and 

 that it is not enough to find fault, unless one is prepared 

 to suggest improvements. I must pass on then to the 

 questions of the information that topographical records 

 should supply, and how they can be rendered most useful. 

 In answering these questions we may also find help in 

 determining the form or forms that they should assume. 



How much should the record contain ? To this some 

 would answer that it should include all plants of the 

 district that clearly do not owe their presence in it to 

 man, and also those introduced by man that now hold 

 their place without his aid or in his fields against his 

 will ; but that no others should be mentioned. Watson's 



