KNUBLEY : THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 347 



will show whether any observed relations are of late or early 

 development in the life-history. 



1 7. In the case of perennials, the mode of perenniation is an 

 interesting feature for observation, as well as the methods of 

 vegetative propagation. In some cases the two processes are merged 

 in one. Properly to understand perenniation the perenniating 

 portions must be examined at all periods of the resting season, as 

 well as when they are starting anew into vegetative activity. 

 Seedlings of perenniating plants watched during two or three seasons, 

 will give a clue towards elucidation of the development. 



' 8. When the seedlings begin to form flowers the relation of the 

 flower-shoots to the vegetative organs should be noted, and especially 

 their sequence with reference to vegetative shoots. The succession 

 of the flowers should be noted, as of course should be their structure 

 and their adaptations to proper pollination. Many seedlings will 

 not, of course, flower for years, and the sequence of flowers in such 

 plants — and, indeed, in all cases — may be well traced in the mature 

 plant growing wild. 



' 9. After flowering and pollination, the development of fruit 

 must be studied. The parts concerned in forming fruit, the adapta- 

 tions to scattering of the fruit or seed, are points to be precisely 

 noted. 



' 10. The presence and position of any nectar-secreting structures, 

 outside as well as inside the flower, are of much significance, and 

 they should be carefully studied. 



'11. In connection with every point observed of structure and 

 development, the observer should ask himself — Why is this ? What 

 is this for ? and endeavour to obtain some answer to the query. 



' 1 2. A series of observations upon a specific plant made by a 

 careful observer will enable him or her to draw up a complete history 

 of its life, such as is hardly to be found recorded at the present day. 



' I may add, as a corollary, that an interesting field for observa- 

 tion, which local societies might do good work in, is that of the 

 relation of plants to animals as food-plants. Some are discarded by 

 browsing animals, others are preferred, and there are degrees of 

 favouritism. Is there any principle of selection ? ' 



The Chairman next invited the delegates to make statements 

 respecting the work done by the committees appointed last year, or 

 in connection with other subjects referred to in the report. 



A Catalogue of Ancient Monuments. — Mr. W. Gray, 

 M.R.I. A., said that at the request of the Belfast Naturalists' Field 

 Club, he had prepared a catalogue of the monuments and settle- 

 ments of the counties of Antrim and Down, and he had prepared 



Nov. 1889. 



