The British Association in South Africa. 203 
can be realised. In other words our author appears to be rather 
premature in his effort to “ anticipate the final merging” of the 
two subjects, though as an ideal to be borne constantly in mind 
this merging is a perfectly sound conception. We shall presently 
have to advert to some instances in the present work in which the 
physiological methods and concepts applied seem hardly adequate 
to the solution of the problems attacked. 
The work before us is essentially a handbook of methods, 
dealing incidentally with the actual problems which vegetation 
presents. Its first great merit is its comprehensiveness. It will 
be clear from what has been already said that the subject matter 
of ecology is conceived in no narrow spirit, and as a matter of fact 
no conceivable factor which can affect vegetation appears to be 
neglected, while quantitative methods which aim at the greatest 
possible accuracy are applied to each. 
The book is divided into four parts or “ chapters.” The first, 
under the heading “ The Foundations of Ecology,” discusses “ The 
Need of a System,” and contains the ideas upon which we have 
already commented. We think Dr. Clements easily establishes his 
case for a “ system,” and his view of “ The Essentials of a System,” 
based on the absolutely fundamental importance of the habitat, its 
effect on the plant and the reaction of the plant upon it, may be 
said to be almost self-evident, though we do not imply that it does 
not require plain statement. 
(to be continued). 
THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION IN SOUTH AFRICA. 
| JO those who attended the South African Meeting of the British 
Association, the occasion must ever remain a memorable one. 
Though, owing no doubt to the prolonged absence from England 
entailed by the journey, many familiar faces were absent, yet the 
meeting had its compensations in the old friendships renewed, and 
the new ones formed, as well as in the varied botanical and other 
interests afforded by the extended tour undertaken by the party. 
A very unusual feature was the holding of the meetings 
themselves at two distinct centres, i.e., Capetown (August 15th—18th 
