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CORRESPONDING SOCIETIES. of 
it seemed a most regrettable thing, as our marsh plants are among the 
most interesting natives, and by the drainage of the land they are be- 
coming every year more rare. With regard to the proposed Act, he did 
not suppose it would do its work unless backed by public interest. He 
agreed with the suggestion that a circular should be issued as soon as 
possible, and steps be taken to have also a ‘reader.’ This, however, he 
did not think sufficient ; and though once of a different opinion, he now 
believed legislation to be absolutely necessary. 
Reports from the Sections. 
The Secretary explained that a letter had been sent to the Recorder 
of each Section asking for information as to any local work which could 
be usefully undertaken by the Corresponding Societies during the ensuing 
year. The response to this letter had not been very encouraging, but 
such letters as had been received were read. 
Mr. J. Lomas, representing Section C (Geology), had asked the 
Delegates to assist the following Committees, viz.: 1. Erratic blocks ; 
2. Trias Committee ; 3. Geographical and geological names. Although 
the first Committee has been at work for many years, there are still 
parts of England from which no reports have yet been received. The 
Trias Committee seeks to record all the fossils which have been found in 
the Triassic rocks of Great Britain, to trace type specimens, and to collect 
exact data as to the horizon at which the specimens were found. Photo- 
graphs of sections, footprints, or other fossils would be gladly acknow- 
ledged by the Secretary. The third Committee is one which can properly 
discharge its duties only by the co-operation of the various local Societies 
affiliated to the British Association. 
Dr. H. W. Marett Tims, Secretary of Section D (Zoology), wrote 
explaining that he had not been able to communicate with the Sectional 
Committee, but on his own responsibility suggested the following sub- 
jects as worthy of local attention: 1. A systematic study of the fresh- 
water Plankton of East Anglia ; 2. A study of the Rotifera of East 
Anglia. 
Dr. A. J. Herbertson, Recorder of Section E (Geography), called 
attention to the Committee on local names for geological and topo- 
graphical features, and suggested that the Corresponding Societies might 
also assist by sending data as to the composition and value of rainfall 
and discharge of rivers and lakes for a new Committee. Any results of 
investigations relating to local climate and health might be sent to 
another new Committee, of which Sir Lauder Brunton is Chairman, deal- 
ing with the effect of climate upon health and disease. 
Mr. J. Barcroft, Recorder of Section I (Physiology), inquired whether 
the local Societies could aid the last-named Committee in considering the 
effeet of climate on disease. One of the first objects of the Committee 
must be to get in touch with meteorologists on the one hand, in order 
to secure accurate data concerning climate, and with medical societies on 
the other hand, in order to get statistics about disease. 
The Rev. J. O. Bevan ventured to ask the support of the Delegates 
for the consideration of questions involved in relation to the Committee 
on the quantity and composition of rainfall, and of lake and river dis- 
charge. It referred to the ratio of the discharge of the river to the 
rainfall in particular districts, and the position of the discharge in relation 
