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BRITISH ASSOCIATION, MEETING AT EXETER. 293
of tliese matters, and for the purpose of sliowing their applicability to
particular cases. In estimating the value to be attached to certain
characters, it is necessary to consider the pui-pose for which they are
required. If the object be synthetical— if we are seeking points of
resemblance, so as to be enabled to group together a large number of
forms into one or more large aggregates, stress must be laid, in the
first instance, on the congenital characters as serving to bind together
the greatest numbers ; then on those dependent on frequency of occurrence
and special physiological office, afterwards on such others as may
be forthcoming. If the object be analytical and discriminative, the
special physiological characters demand the first attention, then those
which have the merit of frequency and invariability, and then those
that are congenital. The systematist can very rarely act up to his own
standard. Individual cases have to be treated on their own merits
philosophy has to be sacrificed to expediency, and herein shines the
light of geniu^ ; the tact and insight of a first-class naturalist often
lead him to make combinations, or to allocate forms, on what seem
mere grounds of expedience, but which afterwards prove, when fuller
evidence is gained, to be strictly consistent with philosophical views.
" On the Law of the Developnent of Cereals:' By Mr. F. F. Ilai-
lett. From continued observations and experiments, extended over
nearly twenty years, Mx. Hallett said he had arrived at the following
conclusions :—1. Every fully developed plant, whether of wheat, oats,
or barley, presents an ear superior in productive power to any of the
rest on that plant. 2. Every such plant contains one grain which,
upon trial, proves more productive than any other. 3. The best grain
in a given plant is found in its best ear. 4. The superior vigour of
this grain is transmissible in different degrees to its progeny. 5. By
repeated careful selection the superiority is accumulated. 6. The im-
provement, which is at first rapid, gradually, after a long series of
years, is diminished in amount, and eventually so far arrested that,
practically speaking, a limit to improvement in the desired quality is
reached. 7. By still continuing to select, the improvement is main-
tained, and practically a fixed type is the result.
" On the Flora of the Strait of Magellan and Went Coast of Pata-
gonia." By Dr. R, O. Cunningham. The chief point of this paper
was that, beginning at the eastern entrance of the strait and proceed-
ing westwards to Cape Pillar and northwards througli the channels ex-
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