1905-1905.1 443 



the General Committee. The new class of corresponding 

 societies would be called "Associated Societies." and would 

 include societies formed for the purpose of encouraging the 

 study of science, and being not less than three years 

 in existence. Such societies might each send to the 

 Annual Conference a delegate, who must be a mem- 

 ber or associate, and would have all the rights of a 

 delegate from an affiliated society except that of membership of 

 the General Committee. The Association published every year 

 a catalogue of the most important papers referring to local 

 scientific investigations issued by the associated societies. Of 

 these four came from the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club in 

 1904, one by Miss Mary K. Andrews, and three by Mr. Joseph 

 Wright. Of the number catalogued in 1905 two came from the 

 Belfast Field Club, one from Mrs. Hobson, and one from Mr. 

 Robert Bell. Arising out of the Chairman's address at the 

 Conference there was an animated discussion upon the organisa- 

 tion of field clubs' excursions, the manner of conducting them, 

 and the value or otherwise of the results. From every point of 

 view Mr. Gray considered the excursion arrangements of the 

 Belfast Naturalists' Field Club compared favourably with any 

 field club in the kingdom for the attainment of their common 

 object, the advancement of science. 



Dr. Wm. Martin opened a discussion on "Treasure Trove." 

 In consequence of the erroneous ideas that prevail with refer- 

 ence to what is called "treasure trove" many objects of intrinsic 

 and historic value found their way to the melting-pot, or were 

 otherwise made away with, to the disadvantage of the public. 

 The members of the Conference, therefore, thought that it would 

 be desirable that the law relative to the subject should be more 

 generally made known, and full instructions furnished for the 

 guidance of reputed owners and finders. The subject of copy- 

 right also came under consideration. 



A most animated and interesting discussion was opened by 

 a paper read by Professor Boulger, F.L.S., F.G.S., on the pre- 

 servation of our native plants. The unanimous testimony of 

 the assembled delegates was that the destruction and rapid dis- 



