26o 



Johns : Maps and Records. 



interesting- birds. Every ornitholog-ist who has admired the 

 beautiful groups in the Gallery of Birds at South Kensington 

 will be glad to have this permanent souvenir of his visit. It 

 would be difficult to select the best plate, but we reproduce 

 herewith, by the permission of the trustees, one of the series 

 which may be taken as a representative of the whole. It shows 

 an adult male and an immature Little Bittern, mounted to 

 illustrate the marvellous instinct of self-preservation. 



MAPS AND RECORDS. 



COSMO JOHNS, F.G.S., M.I.Mech.E., 



■ Sheffield. 



Much of the work now being done by local scientific societies 

 necessitates the use of maps and, more than ever, does it imply 

 the accurate noting of all the data obtained as a result of the 

 observations made. It is the essence of many observations that 

 the locality should be correctly stated, and much of the work 

 done in the past lost nearly all of its value because the observers 

 had not grasped the vital importance of exactly locating the 

 geographical position of the spot where the observation was 

 made. It must not be forgotten that scientific research is 

 extending its boundaries, and daily brings into prominence the 

 ereat fact that the main .branches of natural science no lono^er 

 occupy water-tight compartments, but overlap one another until 

 now physicist and chemist, botanist and geologist, all meet on 

 common ground and require each other's help in order to 

 adequately deal with the larger problems that continually meet 

 them. Hence the importance of accuracy and fulness in every 

 note that may be made by the local naturalist. The data that 

 seem to be almost valueless to-day may be to-morrow of the 

 utmost value in throwing light on some obscure problem. But 

 few of our local workers have had the advantage of that general 

 training which teaches the observer to look ,out for and note 

 every fact relating to the particular research work that may be 

 engaging his attention. All the more necessary is it, therefore, 

 that the amateur worker, after going as far as he can, should leave 

 his investigations in such a form that another worker mig'ht 

 extend and complete it. Of late much useful work has and is being- 

 done by local societies in botanical survey, recording of erratic 

 boulders, etc., and no effort should be spared in ensuring that 



Naturalist, 



