Research in British Ecology. 
west Germany, Denmark and Southern Scandinavia, the general 
features of which have been ably sketched by Warming, Krause, 
Graebner, and others, but in spite of the almost total absence 
of endemics, there are not a few interesting features of difference. 
And behind the general features of the distribution of plant- 
communities, there lie the deeper problems to which allusion has 
been made. It is to be hoped that both these aspects of the 
question will be taken up in the near future by British botanists 
Ecological surveying is comparatively easy and very attractive work . 
a knowledge of the rudiments of geology, a fair acquaintance with 
the species composing the flora, and quick eyes, form the most 
necessary equipment for the pursuit. Good maps and a camera are 
very desirable adjuncts. For the deeper problems, on the other 
hand, a high degree of training, close and long-continued study of 
particular problems, and access to a laboratory and experimental 
garden are essential. 
Co-operation is necessary if any considerable results are to be 
obtained. It is much to be desired that the surveying part of the 
work should be taken up by the active members of local natural 
history societies. A scheme could easily be organised by which 
they might work under some central direction, and there can be no 
doubt that, once initiated, the fascinating nature of the work would 
ensure its continuance and propagation. A committee of Section K 
(Botany) was appointed at the Glasgow meeting of the British 
Association last year, to consider the possibility of the systematic 
collection of ecological photographs on the lines of the admirable 
collection made by the Geologists’ Association. We suggest that 
this committee should ask leave to extend its functions in the 
direction indicated, provided the requisite concurrence and support 
can be obtained from the local societies, whose co-operation would 
be essential to success. 
THE RECENT DISCOVERIES OF PTERIDOPHYTE 
PROTHALLI. 
UR knowledge of the gametophyte generation of the homo* 
sporous Vascular Cryptogams, with the exception of the 
Equisetineae and of the Ferns proper, has remained in a very back¬ 
ward condition till comparatively recently. Dr. Treub’s well-known 
researches on the prothalli of tropical Lycopods constituted a great 
