102 
Suggestions for Beginning Survey Work. 
bottom (sandy, rocky, clayey, etc.); animal life present; general 
character of weather in week preceding the collection of each 
sample. 
C. Flora or list of all the species occurring in each piece of 
water:—It is very important to collect carefully and make sure of 
getting a characteristic sample of the algal vegetation at least each 
month during the course of a complete year. A characteristic sample 
must contain all the different kinds of Algae present in about the 
same proportion as they actually occur in the pond ; each collection 
should be supplemented by careful notes made on the spot. A 
little experience enables one to distinguish broadly the different 
genera of filamentous Algae by colour, texture, mode of attachment, 
etc. Hints on the collection of Algae will be found in West’s 
“British Freshwater Algae” (Cambridge University Press, 1904, 
pp. 6-8); a long bamboo pole (or collapsible fishing rod) with a piece 
of bent copper wire attached to one end will be found very useful 
for collecting in larger ponds. Material not to be examined at 
once is best preserved in formalin (3% for samples with many 
conjugates ; otherwise 4-5 %). The Algaeorotheraquaticswhich play 
an important part in the vegetation of the pond in the course of a 
year may be classified as dominant and sub-dominant according to the 
duration of their dominance. Certain of the rarer species will be 
found to be characteristic of each pond. 
D. Ecological Study of Aquatic Vegetation :—There is a large 
scope for research here, especially as regards the algal vegetation. 
We know very little as yet as to why an algal species or genus is 
found in one pond and not in another, and careful observation of 
the algal flora combined with the prevailing conditions must un¬ 
doubtedly afford valuable data; these must be supplemented by 
experimental research. Other points of no less importance, which 
are connected with the survey of algal vegetation are:—the period 
of the year at which each algal form flourishes best (possibly 
different under different conditions); and the accumulation of ex¬ 
ternal conditions, which lead to the various reproductive processes. 
These can only be settled by observations (monthly or better even 
fortnightly) extended over a number of years and made on a large 
number of different pieces of water. Such data will be most 
valuable if brought together at a single point; it is consequently 
suggested that anyone undertaking survey-work on an area, in¬ 
cluding pieces of water should forward monthly or fortnightly 
samples of the algal vegetation to Dr. Fritsch, Botanical Depart¬ 
ment, University College, London, W.C., who will endeavour to 
furnish a list of the Algae present in each sample in return. 
Further particulars as to the survey of aquatic vegetation can be 
obtained from the same source. 
It is of course impossible to prescribe for all the possible lines 
of ecological study which may be undertaken on the varied vege¬ 
tation of Britain. A communication to the Secretary of the 
Committee (W. G. Smith, University of Leeds) will however 
enable workers to obtain assistance from the member most likely 
to aid. The list of members (New Phytologist, Jan. 1905) includes 
workers in touch with many parts of Britain. A certain amount of 
literature is available, not much, but the list is too long to give 
here ; the Committee will however be able to indicate useful papers. 
R. MADLEY, PRINTER, WHITFIELD STREET, LONDON, W. 
