j IO [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



trial habits, so the spore plants increased in size, while the sexual 

 plants became reduced. Probably spore plants have been evolved 

 in response to external conditions. Consequently the present-day 

 Flowering Plants may represent a structural reply to the alteration 

 from aquatic to terrestrial surroundings. 



The Chairman, in conveying the thanks of the meeting to 

 Mr. Livens, said that he was sure everyone present had enjoyed 

 the paper not only for the interest of the subject brought before 

 them, but also for the lucid way in which the lecturer had dealt 

 with it. 



Messrs. J. B. Manning, John D. Deane, and A. Lindsay 

 Deane having been elected members, the proceedings terminated. 



REPORT OF DELEGATE TO THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 



" THE BEST MEANS OF PREVENTING THE EXTINCTION OF LOCAL 



SPECIES." 



On Tuesday, 20th January, the third meeting of the Winter 

 session took place in the Museum. Mr. R. J. Welch, M.R.I.A., 

 occupied the chair, and Mr. R. H, Whitehouse, M.Sc, read the 

 paper with which he had opened a discussion at the British Associ- 

 ation Conference of Delegates, held at Birmingham last Summer. 

 Mr. Whitehouse first read his Report of the Conference of 

 Delegates at the British Association, Birmingham, September, 



1913— 



" At the first meeting the chair was taken by Dr. P. Chalmers 

 Mitchell, who, after the report of the Secretary, delivered his 

 address — "Utility and Selection." The meeting of the Confer- 

 ence of Delegates in 19 14 was then discussed — the French Associ- 

 ation for the Advancement of Science had extended an invitation 

 for the Conference to meet in Havre. After some discussion it 

 was agreed that the meeting should take place in Havre. 



At the second meeting the Chairman reported that the 

 Committee of Recommendations had referred the question of the 



