364 ANNUAL CONGRESS OR CONFERENCE.
tion, which might be too difficult or costly to be undertaken by
any one society. For instance :—
Systematic dredging operations to ascertain the extent of the fauna and
flora of our estuaries and sea.
The establishment of temporary or permanent marine or inland biological
stations.
Systematic observation of, and records of, the erosion of the coast-line
of the East Anglian counties.
The establishment of one or more seismographical stations for the
observation of earth-tremors.
The exploration of pre-historic remains, especially those in danger of
destruction.
The systematic collecting of special groups of our fauna and flora, to
to complete lists at present in existence or to aid in the compilation of
new ones
The proposal and encouragement of restrictions on the wilful destruction
of our native fauna and flora, and the desecration of places of natural beauty
and of buildings or remains of historical or scientific interest.
Very many other subjects of minor importance could readily
be suggested.
To carry on systematic investigations such as the above,
considerable funds will be needed, and assuredly the best way to
obtain such funds is by an increase in the number of members
subscribing to the co-operating societies. A pertinent object
of such conferences would be to consider this question, and by
putting the requirements and claims of such enquiries before the
public to induce the residents in each county to support their
local scientific societies. There is also the very important
question of easy and cheap travelling to and from meeting-
places. It would not be considered impertinent if bodies of
naturalists asked the railway companies to put them on at least
the same footing as bodies of anglers, golfers and yachtsmen.
Norfolk and Suffolk have long had museums, and now
Essex is in a fair way of obtaining a truly local museum. The
mutual exchange of specimens is one that might well form
an object to be attained by such united action as that I advocate,
and another is systematic collecting for the benefit of our
museums. It has been well remarked in one of our leading
scientific journals that if half the money which is sometimes
spent by the authorities of local museums in the purchase of
old collections, often of more than doubtful value, were used in
obtaining the services of a skilful collector, series of specimens of
real scientific and educational importance would be obtained;
and the public interest in and success of museums would be much
enhanced. From the co-operative action of our societies such
collecting could be carried on without much difficulty, and by the
division of the specimens at the end of each season, authentic
series could be secured at a comparatively small cost.
Finally, we have the highly important but confessedly
difficult question of publications. I should myself much rejoice