pdf 25 MB - BSBI Archive

282 BRITISH ASSOCIATION, MEETING AT EXETER.
specific distinctness rest on several slight differences, not on a single
character only ; and the situation of growth is very unlike the usually
dry places in which the typical A.Jiexiiosa prevails. I find their
technical distinctions somewhat exaggerated in books, through the too
usual practice of describing the opposite extremes, and neglecting the
intermediate or approximating examples. Looking at specimens from
France and Sweden, along with those from Hampshire, it would seem
that the ligule gives the readiest practical character, being much longer
and more acute, whiter and more membranous in the A. uVuj'mom.
next, the seeming inequality of the two florets, through the longer
pedicel of the second floret in A. nliginosa. As to the alleged differ-
ences between the leaves, the sizes of the flowers, and the erect or
drooping panicles, I fear these are too slight and variable for much
practical use in diagnosis. A considerable number of viviparous
panicles were observed about Fleet Pond. I have seen A.flexuosa in
that condition on our northern mountains ;
according to present recollection.
never so in South England,
BEITISH ASSOCIATION, MEETING AT EXETER.
At the inaugural meeting, in the evening. Dr. Hooker, the Outgoing
President, having vacated the chair, it was then occupied by Professor
Stokes, President-elect, who then proceeded to deliver liis address, of
which we give such extracts as may be of interest to our readers.
The President's Address.
Objects of the Association.
My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,—As this is the first time tliat
the ]5ritish Association for the Advancement of Science has met in the
city of Exeter, and it is jirobable that many now present have never
attended a former meeting, I hope the older members of the Associa-
tion will bear with me if I say a few words in explanation of the ob-
jects for which the Association was instituted. In the first place, then,
it aims at fulfilling an ofllice which is quite distinct from that of the
various scientific societies which arc established in different parts of the
country. These, for the most part, have for their leading object to
make the voluntary labours of isolated workers in science available to
;