REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. xli 
the epoch of 1891, should now be repeated, in order to answer the 
question as to the local variations of the terrestrial magnetic 
elements within twenty-five years. 
‘That a representation to this effect be made to the Royal Society, 
the Admiralty, the Ordnance Survey, and the Meteorological 
Committee. 
‘ That having regard to the importance of the observations at Falmouth 
in the work of the previous Survey and in other work in connection 
with terrestrial magnetism and meteorology, steps be taken to assist 
an appeal for a Treasury grant, in order that the Observatory at 
Falmouth may be efficiently maintained.’ 
The Council appointed a Committee to consider and report on any 
necessary steps in connection with the above proposals. The Committee 
was subsequently empowered to act as might be necessary, and resolved 
that its report be communicated to the Royal Society, as it was under- 
stood that the Society already had the matter under consideration. 
The Committee’s report is as follows :— 
I 
The Committee is of opinion that it is desirable to repeat without delay 
the Magnetic Survey of the British Isles carried out under the auspices of 
the Royal Society between the years 1886-96 ; and further considers that 
the approximate number of stations for the fundamental survey should 
be about 200, and that about 50 more will be wanted for testing the 
permanence of the position of one of the chief ridgelines. It is estimated 
that such a survey could be carried out for a sum of, approximately, 
1,000/. 
The Committee recommends that the British Association make a 
substantial contribution towards this sum. 
i. 
While the Committee attaches importance to the existence of a station 
in the south-west, it was of opinion that if the Survey were carried 
through rapidly the maintenance of the observations at the Falmouth 
Observatory would not be essential. After consideration and enquiry 
it was unable to recommend that steps be taken to assist an appeal for 
a Treasury grant, in order that the Observatory might be maintained. 
From Section D. 
“That the British Association for the Advancement of Science deplores 
the rapid destruction of fauna and flora throughout the world, and 
regards it as an urgent duty that immediate steps should be taken 
to secure the preservation of all species of animals and plants 
irrespective of their economic or sporting value.’ 
The Council approved the principle of the above Resolution, and resolved 
to give expression to it in the following terms :— 
“That the British Association for the Advancement of Science deplores 
the rapid destruction of fauna and flora throughout the world, and 
regards it as an urgent duty that steps should be taken, by the 
