34 REPORT—1896. 
Corresponding Members.—This is another necessary development. 
Each local society should appoint in every village in its district a corre- 
sponding member with some distinctive title, and certain privileges and 
advantages. 
The work asked of him would be to— 
1. Forward surplus Natural History specimens to their Society’s 
Museum. 
2. Supply prompt information on the following subjects :— 
(a) New geological sections. 
(b) Details of wells, borings, springs, &c. 
(c) Finds of geological and antiquarian interest. 
3. Answer such questions as the British Association or the local 
society may require. 
4. Keep an eye on historic buildings. 
5. Assist the Selborne Society in carrying out its objects. 
No mean occupation—certainly a useful, attractive, and honourable 
post—worthy of any man’s acceptance. 
In return he should be offered— 
1. Assistance in naming specimens, and with the formation of school 
museums. 
29. Free admission to lectures and excursions. 
3. Copies of transactions. 
4. Free use of the Society’s library. 
Every village would soon, under this scheme, possess an agent, 
registrar, or whatever you like to call him, who would be more and more 
able, as he gained experience, to further the aims of this association. 
Expenses or Ways and Means.—This cannot be ignored, but would 
not form a sufficient barrier to prevent the adoption of the scheme. 
The unions would be self-supporting, by means of small contributions 
from the affiliated societies. Money is only wanting for the expenses of 
an organising secretary. Ido not attempt to estimate the cost of this, but 
with objects so desirable and far-reaching in view, the price cannot be 
considered excessive, and the British Association would soon be repaid by 
obtaining prompt and direct communication with all the towns and 
villages in Great Britain, by greater assistance in its research work and 
in all other branches which the British Association was established sixty- 
five years ago to promote. . 
The Chairman was sure that they all felt much obliged to Mr. Abbott 
for his paper on this important subject. He invited discussion. 
The Rev. E. P. Knubley remarked that he would give briefly the 
results of the experience of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union during the 
twenty years of its existence. It was, he believed, the largest union of 
scientific societies in England, having thirty-six affiliated associations. 
There were 500 members and 2,500 associates, making a total of 3,000 
workers. He thought they owed much to their geographical position and 
to the great variety of rocks, scenery, soil, and climate in Yorkshire. As 
to the organisation of the Union, it was based to a considerable extent on 
that of the British Association. Their president, a distinguished York- 
shireman, was elected annually. There were general secretaries, an 
executive of twelve members, and a general committee. Their work 
