REPORT OF THE CLUB'S DELEGATE. 63
discoveries lie in the lap of the gods. But for the observer they
implied a training in accuracy, continuous observation, careful
recording and that rigid consideration which leads from facts to.
general truths, a training of which the world stands badly in
need to-day. To the societies they would bring new vigour,
and that satisfaction and honest pride which go with the
enlarging, even in a modest degree, of the bounds of knowledge.
Prof. Ritchie's presidential address was followed by a paper
from our own President who dealt with "The biological work of
Natural History Societies and its co-ordination." After bearing-
testimony to the good work done in the past by amateur
naturalists, Mr. Ramsbottom referred to the renewed interest in
systematic biology which had been brought about by the con-
vergence of many lines of study—cytology, ecology, genetics,
palaeontology, etc.—and to the recent formation of an "Associa-
tion for the study of systematics in relation to general biology."
He said that the Association was fully alive to the fact that
natural history societies could render valuable assistance in
obtaining data in cases requiring simultaneous observations in
different areas or information from large areas which single
workers would be unable to cover.
Various suggestions had been made to co-ordinate such assis-
tance. For example, a panel of "referees," amateur and
professional might be got together to report upon specimens of
the British fauna and flora concerning whose identity there may
be doubts. Many societies already have such panels of referees
for their own members, but they were usually very incomplete,
whereas by combination most of the gaps would disappear.
The necessity for accurate systematic identification was strongly
emphasised, as the whole value of the most painstaking observa-
tional and experimental work might be completely lost through
incorrect identification of material.
Another suggestion was that a panel of recorders should be
formed for the whole of Great Britain. The distribution of some
groups of animals and plants is fairly well known, but of others
only scanty records exist. The Association referred to is con-
templating the production of a series of handbooks of the British
flora and fauna and the accurate mapping of the distribution
of species will be of great value in the production of such
handbooks.