AND LOCAL SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION. 
47 
of plan, in the publications of societies having similar objects and 
undertaking similar work. 
Messrs Meldola, Hopkinson, and Fordham were appointed a 
Committee for making the arrangements for the next Conference, 
and it was suggested that they should obtain one or two papers on 
subjects of interest to local scientific societies. 
Fourth Conference , ■ Southport , 21st September, 1883. 
W. Whitaker, E.A., F.G.S., in the chair. 
The Report of the Committee dealt chiefly with the principal 
subject discussed at the preceding Conference, and stated that the 
“Local Scientific Societies’ Committee” appointed by the Council 
had presented a preliminary report, which was then discussed by 
the Conference, its suggestions being generally approved. 
A paper on ‘‘Local Science Societies and the minor Pre-historic 
Remains of Britain” was read by Mr. Meldola, in which he urged 
upon local scientific societies the importance of their undertaking 
the local care and supervision of pre-historic remains and other 
ancient monuments, citing the action of the Essex Field Club in 
the explorations carried on by the Club in Epping Forest. 
A paper by Mr. F. E. Sawyer on “ The Work of Local Natural 
History Societies” was also read. 
Mr. Fordham read a resolution forwarded for the consideration 
of the Conference by the Leeds Naturalists’ Club, advocating the 
preparation and annual publication by the Conference of a schedule 
of subjects of local scientific interest, giving a detailed account of 
the work which might be undertaken by local societies in co-opera¬ 
tion with Committees of the Association. 
Fifth Conference, Montreal , September, 1884. 
W. WTiitaker, B.A., F.G.S., in the .chair. 
The Report stated that the Council had adopted in substance 
the recommendations of the Local Scientific Societies’ Committee, 
and that a proposal for the consequent alterations in the rules of 
the Association would be laid before the General Committee during 
the present meeting, the effect of which alterations would be that 
the Conferences would in future be officially convened. 
The Chairman introduced the subject of the federation of local 
societies, referring to the Midland Union of Natural History Societies 
as a striking illustration of the value of federation. 
Professor Trail said that many societies in the neighbourhood of 
the Tay and Forth, at the suggestion of the Perthshire Society, had 
amalgamated, and that in north-east Scotland nearly all the Natural 
History Societies had united, with a successful result. 
The Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union was also referred to as a 
federation of societies which worked very well. 
The only other subject discussed by the Conference was that of 
the exchange of publications, which the Chairman stated was of 
great advantage. A suggestion was made that exchanges might 
advantageously be conducted through a central depot in London. 
