764 REPORTS ON THE STATE OF SCIENCE.—1912. 
can be done, it is worthy of notice that the Mycological Committee of the York- 
shire Naturalists’ Union has during the last twenty-seven years published no less 
than 178 reports, papers, and notes on British fungi, especially on those found 
in Yorkshire, and has recorded nearly three thousand species (2,895 up to 
March 1912) from the county, of which a considerable number are new to 
Britain, and many of them new to science. The published papers and reports 
deal mainly with the systematic determination of species, but papers on economic 
topics, and on the structure and life-histories of fungi, are also included. In 
addition, a bibliography of fungi of the North of England and a valuable and 
well-arranged fungus flora of Yorkshire have also been published. There can 
be no doubt that substantial additions to our knowledge of fungi and of 
problems connected with them can be made by local societies, and it is hoped 
that the suggestions brought forward by Miss Lorrain Smith will not be lost 
sight of by the societies represented at this Conference, the members of which, 
he felt sure, are all anxious to do some real work for the advancement of 
science. 
Sir George Fordham (Hertfordshire N.H. Society and Field Club) wished to 
deal with a larger question than that specifically dealt with by the communica- 
tion. He pointed out that certain plant diseases—the American Gooseberry 
Mildew in particular—were obtaining a very serious and destructive prevalence, 
and were being dealt with by the local authorities under orders made by the 
Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, and he thought it was very evident that 
more and more of such diseases as are injurious to agriculture would be 
scheduled. Of course, for such work expert officials exist, and others will be 
appointed and paid, but he considered it of great importance that public 
opinion and public knowledge should be cultivated extensively, and that in- 
vestigations as to the extent of the prevalence of injurious diseases of this 
character should be also carried on by local societies. Such action would be 
welcomed by County Councils and otherwise would be of great assistance in 
dealing with diseases and insect pests. 
The delegates of the Glasgow N.H. Society and the Perthshire Society of 
Natural Science and the Chairman also joined in the discussion. 
The State Protection of Wild Plants. 
Mr. A. R. Horwood (Leicester Museum) submitted the following preliminary 
report of the Selborne Society's Committee for considering this subject. In 
Mr. Horwood’s absence the Report was read by the Secretary. 
From time to time efforts have been made to draw attention to the necessity 
of protecting and preserving our native flora. At the present time, however, 
the energy spent upon the question is entirely inadequate, and the results so 
far have not been commensurate with the efforts put forth. It is the object of 
this communication to report progress and to make a further appeal for help 
and co-operation. 
The Selborne Society, whose object has always been to preserve Nature in 
all aspects, has recently established a section of which Dr. A. B. Rendle is 
chairman, and the writer recorder. This small association so far represents the 
only organised body endeavouring to bring about State protection. Professor 
G. 8. Boulger, a member of this section, who was instrumental in forming it, 
has a draft of the Bill it is intended to introduce already framed. 
The section has endeavoured to forward this national question in three 
principal ways :— 
1. By educating the public as to its need (by leaflets, notices, articles, &c.). 
2. By obtaining co-operation in the prevention of destructive agencies. 
3. By endeavouring to obtain permanent interest and help in all parts of the 
country for the canvassing of all sections of the public at the right 
moment to make an appeal that cannot be put aside. 
By aid of the County Councils the schools of this country have each received 
leaflets and cards deprecating wholesale extirpation of wild flowers, and suggest- 
ing the proper way and time to collect them. 
It is now proposed to obtain the assistance of County Councils in the framing 
