INTRODUCTORY PAPER: 



READ AT CORFE, 

 9th November, 1855. 



When requested, at the first meeting of this Society, to read a 

 Paper on the present occasion, I felt that, as I had ah-eady made 

 myself somewhat conspicuous amongst the Naturalists of the Isle 

 of Puibeck, by the publishing the results of my Geological 

 Observations during a three years residence in the Island, I 

 could not do other than at once comply, and set myself to the 

 task, although with many a misgiving as to the result. But 

 that which does not lay claim to perfection, has a right to a 

 lenient judgment. 



Now the first thing which I had to consider was, what 

 Subject would be the most suitable, and it seemed to me that 

 a general one would be the best; giving an outline of the 

 different branches of Science, bearing upon the various pro- 

 ductions and objects of interest within the district, which 

 should engage our attention, as members of a Society pro- 

 fessing to be composed of Naturalists and Antiquaries. 

 A Naturalist and Antiquarian Society will always comprise some 

 members, who will be eager in the pursuit of science, and 

 others, who do not aspire to a place within the scientific circle, 

 but still are willing to aid the efforts of those who do so. Now 

 it is that aid which we ask of each and all, not only of the 

 Geologist, the Botanist, the Zoologist, and the Antiquary, who 

 will doubtless exert their strength in carrying out the objects of 

 the Society, but of those who may be merely casual observers 

 of nature. For instance; if a rare bird is killed, or a scarce 

 plant gathered, the fact should be recorded. Botany, and 

 Entomology, are peculiarly ladies' pursuits. These are the 

 sources from whence we shovdd gather information, to be care- 

 fully arranged and preserved, and, as circumstances warranty 

 to be printed for circulation. 



