232 REPORTS ON THE STATE OP SCIENCE. — 1915. 



on geotropic perception and response, and seem likely in time bo ofitain 

 fruitful results. The work is slow because many precautions are 

 necessary for safety and accuracy, and only one observation can be 

 made at a time. 



We have now all the large apparatus needed, and as I have nearly 

 2L in hand, this will cover any minor expenses needed to complete 

 the work, such as chemicals, repairs to valves, &c. 

 With kind regards, I am. 



Very faithfully yours, 



Alfred J. Ewart. 



Pending the completion of the work, the Committee ask that they 

 be reappointed, but do not apply for any further grant. 



Australian Cijcadacece. — Report of the Committee, consist- 

 imj of Professor A. A. Lawson {Chairman), Professor 

 T. G. B. OsBORN (Secretary), and Professor A. C. Seward, 

 appointed Jor the Collection and Investigatioti of Material of 

 Australian Cijcadacece, especially Bowenia from Queensland 

 and Macrozamia from West Australia. 



The Committee beg to report that progress is being made with the work, 

 which, however, is impeded by the distances involved. It is requested 

 that the Committee be reappointed for another year without additional 

 grant, but with permission to carry over the unexpended balance. 



The Vegetation of Ditcham Park, Hampshire. — Beport of the 

 Committee, consisting of Mr. A. G. Tansley {Chairman), 

 Mr. E. S. Adamson {Secretary), Dr. C. E. Moss, and 

 Professor R. H. Yapp, appointed for the Investigation 

 thereof. 



Field work was carried on during the summer of 1914. The various 

 lines of inquiry mentioned in the last report were continued: experi- 

 ments were performed with evaporimeters and wet and dry hulb 

 thermometers, the soil studies were continued, and soil temperatures 

 investigated further. 



Special studies were made on the following points: — 



(1) Chalk grasslands. — A somewhat detailed analysis was made of 

 selected areas of chalk grassland on various parts of the estate. 

 Parts of the sun-ounding country were also studied for comparison. 

 Several quadrats were laid down and charted. Special attention 



, was paid to the relationships of the subterranean parts of the 

 plants, both to one another and to varying depths of soil. 



(2) Coppices on clay soil. — ^These received special attention, and a 



detailed floristic analysis was made of the various types. Quadrats 

 have been charted for the detailed study of the coppice successional 

 changes. The distribution of M ercurialis perennis and of Pteridium 

 aquUinum is being worked out in detail. 



