3IO Shcppard : HuW s Contribution to Science. 



work of James Craig" Niven (1828 to 1881). His appointment 

 at the Hull Gardens g"ave him an opportunity of laying them 

 out in such a manner that they were of the greatest possible 

 service to the botanists of the country. In 1866 a catalogue 

 of the hardy herbaceous and Alpine plants then in cultivation 

 numbered upwards of 6,000 species, and took rank as one of the 

 most extensive in the country, a fact of which the town at that 

 time might well be proud. Niven also lectured at the Hull 

 School of Medicine, and his interesting discourses resulted in 

 much good botanical work being accomplished. To Varley's 

 botanical magazines Niven contributed extensively, and he 

 edited a re-issue of Maund's ' Botanical Garden,' in six volumes. 

 He did all in his power to encourage the poorer classes to 

 cultivate plants, even when the space at their disposal consisted 

 of nothing more than the windows and window sills. The matter 

 was taken up in earnest by the working classes, and to aid them 

 Niven issued a very useful pamphlet, ' Instructions for the 

 Growth of Plants and Bulbs in Windows.' 



The foregoing is by no means an absolutely complete record 

 of Hull's best scientific worthies and their work, but the chief ones 

 have been enumerated. Perhaps a more living interest would 

 be attached to these notes if a brief reference were made to the 

 scientific work now being' accomplished in the town. Of the 

 local scientific societies mention has already been made, and 

 whilst these have long lists of members, it by no means follows 

 that they all can be looked upon as hard workers. As in the 

 case of so many similar societies, the bulk of the work falls upon 

 the shoulders of a few, and the very existence of the societies 

 depends upon the exertions of these. 



Perhaps the most substantial contribution to local scientific 

 literature that has been made recently is ' The Flora of the East 

 Riding,' published a few months ago. This was compiled by 

 Mr. J. F. Robinson, who at present holds the position of 

 President of the Hull Scientific and Field Naturalists' Club. 

 Mr. Robinson has been connected with local scientific societies 

 for many years, and his work contains a complete account of 

 the various plants to be found in the East Riding-, prefaced by 

 chapters on the Physiography, Topography, and Meteorology 

 of the district. The volume extends to over 250 pages, and is 

 the result of many years' practical work in the field. 



Another remarkable production made its appearance in 1901 

 through the eff"orts of Mr. R. H. Philip, who has also been 

 through the presidential chair of the local Field Club. This 



Naturalist, 



