454 



[Proc. B.N.F.C. 



Haddon's Address, and the Committee of Delegates in July last 

 requested me to bring the subject before the Conference at the 

 Sheffield meeting. 



I reviewed the various methods which were actually in use, 

 such as the Watsonian County and Vice-County system, and its 

 modifications, and the drainage area system, and referred to the 

 fact that many collectors published their records upon no system,. 

 and that since their lists were only of use to the student of 

 geographical distribution, it would be well if some uniform system 

 could be generally adopted. I suggested that the only way of 

 bringing about such a thing appeared to be by the appointment 

 of a strong Committee of Biologists, whose recommendation would 

 bear weight with all the local Societies and Editors of Natural 

 History Journals. 



Various Delegates spoke on the subject, and then the question 

 arose as to what procedure could be taken if the Conference 

 passed the motion. 



When I remind you that I had been invited by the Com- 

 mittee of the Delegates to bring forward the motion, and when I 

 add that I had myself written to the Secretary early in August 

 asking this very question— a letter to which I received no reply— 

 you will be surprised to hear that no suggestion was forthcoming. 

 After some discussion it was suggested that I should bring the 

 matter before the Zoological and Botanical Sections of the British 

 Association, and Professor W. W. Watts (Caradoc and Severn 

 Valley Field Club and the Birmingham Natural History and 

 Philosophical Society) therefore moved as an amendment "That 

 the Conference of Delegates approves of the proposal of Mr. K 

 Balfour Browne — that a Committee of Biologists be formed to 

 recommend the adoption of a definite system on which collectors 

 should record their captures ; " and desires its representatives to 

 support, before the Committee of Recommendations, a proposal 

 from Sections D and K for the appointment of a Committee to 

 carry out the suggestion." 



