64 BEPORTS ON THE STATE OF SCIEiS-CE. 



the survey work. Endeavours shall be made to oblaiu a reduction of 

 railway fares to bearers of such tickets when carrying photographic 

 apparatus, and also to obtain permission to photograph (as in cathedrals 

 and public places generally) on production of such a ticket. 



The Rev. J. O. Bevan (Woolhope Naturalists' Field Club) asked leave 

 to take part in the discussion on the score that for many years past he 

 had felt a great interest in the subject. He adverted to the pains taken 

 in the preparation of Mr. Harrison's paper and to the value of the 

 information conveyed. He considered, however, that the Appendix, deal- 

 ing with details, was premature, inasmuch as the principle of a photo- 

 graphic survey had not yet been affirmed by the British Association, and 

 as there was some doubt whether it would be considered by the Council 

 to come within the scope of their operations. Of course the projected 

 survey had an important and a special value of its own ; but many of the 

 objects represented (whilst possessing an artistic or historical value) 

 might not illustrate any ethnological or anthropological fact or principle, 

 and it was with the scientific aspect alone that the British Association 

 was concerned. Assuming a scientific value, would it not be well to 

 ascertain what materials already existed for a complete survey, and to 

 join hands with bodies which had already undertaken any department 

 of a similar work ? The Society of Antiquaries had projected an 

 archwological county index and map of England and Wales, the special 

 objects placed on the index being plotted on the map in symbolic form 

 and characteristic colour. Several of these maps had been completed. 

 Tlie speaker himself was i-esponsible for that relating to Herefordshire 

 and in a brochure published a few years ago had advocated an extension 

 of the scheme in the following words : ' Could not Arch«ological 

 Societies, in conjunction with this agency, startle the world with an 

 illustrated index and map ? This would be of immense interest — an 

 interest that would increase in geometrical ratio from year to year. The 

 expense would naturally be great, but would be considerably lessened by 

 the fact that many woodcuts even now would be available from their 

 "Transactions" a,nd elsewhere.' 



It was evident that such an inclusive index as that already published 

 for some half-dozen counties would furnish a basis for a general photo- 

 graphic survey, and it were much to be wished that the whole series might 

 be completed. Again, certain publishers were bringing out a Victorian 

 County History of England, and the speaker had approached them 

 with a suggestion that such an arch reel ogical index should be included 

 in each volume. Further, various Societies existed with a kindred aim, 

 such as the National Photographic Record Society ; but the work under- 

 taken by such bodies, though extremely interesting, was frequently dis- 

 cursive and fragmentary, as opposed to any British Association scheme, 

 which would be systematised on a progressive and regular plan. 



Probably it would be found that, in almost every county, photo- 

 graphic survey work had been carried on, such as that so effectively 

 executed in Yorkshire and Warwickshire. The need for such action 

 became increasingly evident as time rolled on. A central advisory 

 authority was needed to supply information as to what had been done and 

 what I'emained to be done, to act as a clearing-house between local 

 Societies and the Association, to lay down certain simple rules in order to 

 ensure uniformity, and, finally, to stimulate a general and strictly- 

 scientific interest in the matter. 



