of the earth with especial regard to that of British possessions.  A scheme for preparing a complete series of floras of India and the Colonies was sanctioned by the Government in 1856, and has been steadily prosecuted ever since.  The principle work of the staff is the correct identification of the specimens which reach Kew from every part of the world, and their incorporation in the Herbarium.  It is visited for the purposes of study and research by botanists from every country.

The scientific work in the various branches of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries would seem to afford some scope for women of scientific attainment.  Sir T. Elliott, formerly Permanent Secretary to the Board, in his evidence before the Royal Commission on the Civil Service, said he considered that women could do good work in many directions, and that their help might be especially valuable in entomology.

The Public Trustee’s Office.

The Public Trustee’s office was established in 1908, under the Act of 1906.  Two Women Inspectors—­or more correctly speaking, Visitors—­are now employed, one of whom receives a salary of L200 and the other L180.

These Visitors are attached to the special Department set up to take charge of children (1) left by will to the guardianship of the Public Trustee, or (2) who have been awarded damages in the High Court either for injury or for the loss of parents or guardians.

As regards the first-named, the Public Trustee has express powers under his rules to act either as sole guardian or co-trustee.  In these cases the Women Visitors assist the Public Trustee in discharging his trust.  They visit the children, go thoroughly into the circumstances of each case, consulting with relatives and family solicitors.  Schools are chosen, holidays arranged, careers decided upon, apprenticeship or training provided for; medical attendance is secured and even clothing attended to.

In all cases concerning children in which an action for damages has been brought under the Common Law or under Lord Campbell’s Act, the money awarded as compensation is paid over to the Public Trustee, unless the judge otherwise directs.  A large part of the Women Visitors’ work consists of supervising these compensation cases.  It is important to see that the money is spent upon the children, and in the manner most likely to promote their future welfare—­e.g., in providing education or special training.  In the case of injured children, proper medical attention is secured and any instruments or artificial limbs which may be necessary.

It is becoming increasingly the practice, when funds are raised locally to help special cases, to place the money collected in the hands of the Public Trustee, instead of appointing local trustees.  Where the beneficiaries of such funds are women or children—­very often they are widows—­it becomes the duty of the Women Visitors to find out on the spot how the money can best be applied, and to advise the Public Trustee accordingly.