52 MR. W. G. CLARKE OX THE COMMONS OF NORFOLK. 
to obtain a reduction on postage of scientitic publications, 
and {b) whether the Government should be applied to for 
aid in publishing the results of the work of scientific societies. 
Sir A. Pedler (British Science Guild) stated that the Post- 
master-General had already been approached on the former 
subject, and though sympathetic, had decided that the 
departmental difficulties were too great to allow it. The 
Conference of Delegates agreed to support any further action 
of the British Science Guild in this direction. The question 
of State Aid toward publication of Scientific work was finally 
left for the consideration of the Committee of the Conference. 
The Delegates visited the British Museum (Nat. Hist.) on 
Monday afternoon, and on Tuesday afternoon the Zoological 
Gardens. 
VII. 
THE COMMONS OF NORFOLK. 
By W. G. Clarke. 
Read 2 2nd February, 1910. 
Until, in the prehistoric period, man began to make permanent 
settlements, and brought to an end his nomadic career, the 
land of the country may be said to have been common and 
waste, all wandering whithersoever they would, and none to 
say them nay within recognised tribal Emits. The beginnings 
of agriculture necessitated some sort of settlement and the 
most fruitful areas were brought into cultivation by the joint 
efforts of the family or tribe, and beyond and between the 
various settlements, was waste. With an increased population 
and an extension of agriculture, more land was cultivated, 
