237
THE CORRESPONDING SOCIETIES'
COMMITTEE OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION,
YORK, 1906.
REPORT OF THE CLUB'S DELEGATE,
F. W. RUDLER, I.S.O., F.G.S,, Secretary of the Conference of Delegates.
[Read November 24th, 1906.]
AT the first meeting of the Delegates held under the
chairmanship of Sir Edward Brabrook, C.B., who fitly
represented the new group of "Associated Societies," the chief
subject for discussion was that of Meteorology. Dr. H. R.
Mill, the distinguished authority on rainfall, introduced the
subject by an admirable address, in which he commended the
study of meteorology as one peculiarly fitted for cultivation by
provincial societies, inasmuch as it needed for its prosecution
comparatively simple appliances, whilst it developed habits of
strict accuracy and method in the observers. At the same time
it contributes to the advancement of knowledge in directions
much needed. The determination of local climate can be best
effected by the work of local societies, since it requires long
continuous records usually beyond the power of individual
observers. Dr. Mill remarked that a society should be, by its
nature, immortal—a remark which, it is hoped, may be applied
to the Essex Field Club. But as our Club does not contemplate
the formation of a meteorological station the subject need not be
enlarged upon.
Of more direct interest to the Club were the proceedings
at the second meeting. This was held under the chairman-
ship of Mr. John Hopkinson, for many years the honorary
secretary of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society, and was
attended by the President of our Club. The main subject of
discussion at this meeting was that of County Photographic
Surveys, which was introduced by Mr. W. Jerome Harrison, of
Birmingham. In an elaborate paper Mr. Harrison traced the
history of the survey movement, which was really initiated by
him, when, in 1889, he. proposed a photographic survey of
Warwickshire. From Warwickshire the work has spread, and
surveys are now in active operation in Worcestershire, Kent,
Surrey, Yorkshire, and Edinburgh, as well as in Essex. Mr.
Victor Taylor had kindly sent your delegate some notes on the
photographic survey of Essex, which he used. Mr. Harrison