CORRESPONDING SOCIETIES. 341 
The Rev. Frepericx Smita (Prehistoric Society of East Anglia) said, in 
criticising the ‘ utility’ standpoint of Mr. Whitehouse, that so far from accept- 
ing such a position, the fact of the constant encroachment, owing to the exigen- 
cies of modern ways, upon the freedom of our native fauna and flora is the very 
reason why we, as students and lovers of Nature, should be more and more 
earnest and anxious for their defence and protection. We can do much toward 
helping to extend the areas of rarer plants by planting seed in likely places. 
This was a common practice of the speaker’s friend, the late Dr. Buchanan 
White, of Perth. Some now very rare plants were once common in his society’s 
area; and now common species may become rafe in their turn. There is some- 
thing touching and wise in the Eastern view that it is a sin to destroy any life 
that only a God could give. It is assuredly a greater misdeed to allow, if it 
can be prevented, the annihilation of a single species of any kind of animal 
or plant. 
Another delegate thought that Mr. Horwood’s work was not on the right 
lines, and could not tolerate Mr. Webb’s suggestion that landowners should be 
given power to prosecute for the taking of wild plants. He agreed with the 
resolution passed in Section K, that there should be no change in the law of 
trespass. He gave instances of German regulations and methods of protection, 
which he considered inapplicable to Britain. The artificial dissemination of the 
seeds of wild plants, he thought, was against all work on their natural distri- 
bution. 
Mr. Bryan Corcoran (Croydon Natural History and Scientific Society), while 
against the idea of a new Act of Parliament for plant-protection, approved 
of much in Mr, Whitehouse’s paper. He thought that Herbert Spencer said 
something to the effect that when an Act of Parliament was passed to protect 
any special section of the community that very section soon began to suffer. 
He believed that an Act as suggested would be very likely to aggravate the 
trouble it was passed to prevent. He asked if it would be possible to cultivate 
rare species away from their habitat, advertise them in the ‘Selborne Magazine,’ 
and make it worth while for dealers to sell them from these nurseries ? 
Professor J. H. Prisstitey (Leeds Naturalists’ Club and Scientific Associa- 
tion) asked delegates to remember that the debate had shown that there was 
little agreement as to any line of action more extended than that covered by 
the previous resolution of the Council of the Association. That resolution 
recognised the urgency and importance of the problem, and recommended con- 
structive proposals on the line of Nature reserves. This discussion made it 
clear that it was unwise without further consideration to press the matter upon 
the attention of the public with a view to legislative action. He therefore 
moved : ‘That the previous question be now put.’ This, having been seconded, 
Was carried. 
In consideration of the motion just passed, Mr. JosepH W1Lson asked leave 
to withdraw the amendment which stood in his name. This was agreed to, 
The Cuatrman having read Mr. Horwood’s resolution, Sir Danie, Morris 
asked what was the present position, and was informed that there was no 
resolution to go before the General Committee. 
The CHarrMAN drew the attention of the Conference to fresh evidence 
which it was desired to gather regarding the working of the Wild Birds Pro- 
tection Acts and the damage done by certain birds, such as the wild pigeon. 
It was suggested that evidence should be heard before a Departmental Com- 
mittee. He proposed the following resolution: ‘That it be referred to the 
Correspcnding Societies Committee to arrange for evidence being given before 
the Committee which, it is understood, is about to be appointed by the Home 
Secretary to consider the amendment of the Wild Birds Protection Acts.’ 
This having been seconded by Mr. H. D. Acland, Mr. Wess pointed out 
that if the Plumage Bill then before Parliament became law only ostrich 
feathers and eider down could be imported, and that the additional powers to be 
given to the Home Secretary might be intended to check the use of the plumage 
of native birds for commercial purposes. ' 
The resolution, having been put to the meeting, was carried. _ 
Mr. H. D. Actanp moved the following resolution: ‘ That this Conference 
hears with regret that the work of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society has 
