251 



The slides are under the care of Mr. Ruffle, to whom the Club is greatly in- 

 debted for the facilities which exist for their proper examination . 



Numerous Books of Reference have been added to the Library from time to 

 time by purchases and donations. By the earnest co-operation of Mr. Jaques 

 the books have been very generally circulated on the nights of meeting. 



The exchange of slides is now in full operation under the superintendence of 

 Messrs. Beckett, Hailes, Hislop, and Marks, who have succeeded in carrying 

 out the duties that have devolved upon them most satisfactorily. During the 

 past year about 300 slidts have been exchanged 



"The excursions form a feature in the Club, and their sustained success is a 

 matter for much congratulation. As the result of the well organised arrange- 

 ments of the Excursion Committee (Messrs. Arnold, Gay, Reeves, and Suffolk) 

 the meetings have been exceedingly well attended, and the localities for explora- 

 tion have been admirably selected and diversified. It is hoped that together with 

 the fortnightly meetings in the college the excursions have proved sources of 

 gratification to those who have attended them, and of instruction to those who 

 have been enabled to examine the objects collected. 



" These excursions aflford opportunities for research and investigation such as 

 few other societies in London can supply. Your Committee hope to receive at 

 the termination of this season more copious records of the objects collected, and 

 their habitats, as noted by members, than have hitherto been furnished. They 

 therefore venture to impress upon all members the desirability of assisting in 

 this matter. Such a course cannot fail to be advantageous as well to the 

 observer as to the general body of microscopists. It is intended that the results 

 of the excursions shall form a chapter in the Journal. 



" Since the last Annual Report 142 new members have been admitted into the 

 Club, and 12 names have been withdra^vn. Consequently the present number 

 of members is 512. If numbers can be adduced as evidence of success the 

 Committee will be justified in offering their hearty congratulations. They 

 believe it is almost unparalleled that 560 members should have joined any 

 society, allied however remotely to science, in the short space of four years, ac- 

 companied by so small a reduction by reason of death or other causes. 



"These four years of success have left us a legacy in the shape of great 

 responsibilities, which we must perforce accept. If the opportunities afforded 

 to members he great, the demand upon them for increased exertion is propor- 

 tionanly great. 



" Let no one, therefore, work for his own gratification alone, but let each 

 strive to contribute to the general fund of information, ever bearing in mind 

 that whatever he may have met with interesting to himself may be interesting 

 to othej s also. There is nothing in the field of nature so insignificant but that 

 it may prove of value to some one or other of the members who has accustomed 

 himself to investigate whatever may come under his notice, and who has made 



"The flelds his study — nature his book." 

 July 23rd, 1869. 



