WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE EASTERN COUNTIES. 55
forwarding papers from one society to another for re-reading or
exchanging lecturers was favourably received. A good deal has
also been said as to joint action with regard to reduction of rail-
way fares. Undoubtedly, however, one of the greatest—though
one of the most difficult—reforms would be the formation of
unions, like those of Yorkshire, Ireland, and Scotland, and the
perhaps too large, and therefore defunct, one in the Midlands,
for joint publication. The woes of the serious student of British
Natural History as to the bulk of the "literature" with which
he has to grapple have been often expressed ; and perhaps the
main crux in the matter of reducing the number of publications
is a certain desire to see oneself in print and the consequently
invidious task of the Publication Committee. This is not, how-
ever, I venture to think, insuperable. Experience has proved it.
It should be clearly understood by all, that local reference,
novelty, general importance to science and brevity will be con-
sidered—in the order named—the four chief recommendations of
a paper for publication. With special reference to this topic I
would, in concluding my general remarks, say a few words on
the question of autonomy. Every society, however small, may
well, I think, publish an annual report, provided it only contain
a balance-sheet, a list of members, a list of meetings held and
papers read, but no abstracts, reports, addresses, nor anything of
any possible scientific importance ; so that no one engaged in
scientific research need look them up. This, and absolute free-
dom to make any rules as to membership, subscription, etc.,
would, I presume, be a guarantee of independence. A Congress,
or separate and tediously corresponding general meetings would
have to decide on the form, size, and price of a joint publication
and a Joint Committee must to some extent edit it. This, and
the periodical union pro tem. in a Congress, need be the only links
binding the societies in a union. I have already hinted in the
course of these general remarks at what I think might be done in
the Eastern Counties. It would perhaps be well to seek the
co-operation of Metropolitan societies, as well as of individuals.
An annual East Anglian Congress and several joint field-
meetings would be easily organised and perhaps it would be
better to leave the question of joint publication for consideration
at the second or third Congress—say from January 1st, 1900.