1916-17.] 



27 I 



due to the ease and cheapness of modern means of communication. 

 To remedy this decadence the President suggested some form of 

 Co-operation, the neighbouring societies carrying on valuable 

 research on pre-arranged lines with each other, so that the 

 " maximum value in useful results will be obtained from the 

 maximum number of co-workers." 



The following papers and discussions also were read : — 



Mr. Perceval J. Ashton (Selborne Society) — "The Encourage- 

 ment of Public Interest in Science by means of Popular Lectures." 



Mr. Arthur Bennett (Warrington Society) — "The Desirability 

 of forming Federations of Societies with Cognate Aims." Mr. 

 Bennett suggested the Federation of Societies, with the formation 

 of Sections of the Society, very much on the lines of the Sections 

 of our own Club. 



Mr. Whitaker (in the absence of Mrs. Hester F. Julian) — 

 'The Importance of Kent's Cavern as a National Site." 



The Conference was as successful as usual, and realised fully 

 the seriousness of the position of Field Clubs and Naturalists' 

 Societies in the present day, and the need for some more or less 

 drastic measures of reform if they are to attain their pristine 

 healthy and useful condition. 



(Signed) 



J. K. Charlesworth, Delegate. 



