180 MEETING OF CORRESPONDING SOCIETIES'
introduced at Croydon. Is there any reason why the Essex Field
Club should not, in like manner, institute a division for young
members, who would at least be attracted by the excursions,
and having acquired, by contact with naturalists, a love for the
study of natural science, would pass in due course into the Club
as ordinary members?
As the outcome of the discussion on the President's address 
the following resolution was ultimately proposed and carried
unanimously—a similar resolution having been passed in,
the various sections:—
" That, as urged by the President in his address, it is desirable that scientific
workers and persons interested in science be so organised that they may exert
permanent influence on public opinion, in order more effectively to carry out the 
third object of this Association, originally laid down by its founders, viz., "To
obtain a more general attention to the objects of science and the removal of any
disadvantages of a public kind which impede its progress," and that the Council
be asked to take steps to promote such organisation."
A paper was read by Mr. W. Rankin, B.Sc, of Leeds, on
"The Methods and Results of a Botanical Survey of Counties."
The late Dr. Robert Smith, of Dundee, commenced such a
survey in Scotland, and his brother, Dr. W. G. Smith, and Mr.
Rankin have recently published the results of their work in
Yorkshire. The chief object of this Botanical Survey is to
reduce to certain well-defined terms the vegetation of a county,
and then to examine the biological features of each term.
The scenery is regarded as a function of the vegetation, as.
well as of the rocks. In the somewhat difficult area of the
West Riding of Yorkshire, about fifteen groupings, or plant-
associations, more or less well-marked, are distinguished. In
the moorlands there are five types—the bilberry summit, the
cotton-grass moor, the heather moor, the grass-heath, and the
limestone hill pasture. Five groups are also recognised in the
woods, namely coniferous upland, and lowland oak, ash-hazel
copse and beach. The areas of cultivation include the lowland
wheat and the upland oats. In some places a lowland swamp
vegetation is developed.
" The mapping of a large area is not the only end sought [observed Mr..
Rankin]. In surveying any district, moorland, woodland, or wheatland,
extensive notes are taken of the nature of the plant associations and the various;
conditions under which they exist. In order that our conclusions may be sounder,
excursions are taken at all times of the year. Notes taken in one district are.