st. james's ornithological society. 315 



As there is in London no other exclusively Ornithological Society, 

 it is unnecessary to point out to the Ornithologist the advantages 

 which may result from an institution possessed of a locality so ad- 

 mirably calculated for a collection of aquatic birds, and for afford- 

 ing facilities for observations on the changes of plumage from sex 

 age, or season, which are so interesting to naturalists, and so diffi- 

 cult to be observed elsewhere. It is, moreover, to be hoped that the 

 Society will not direct exclusive attention to the formation of a col- 

 lection of aquatic birds, but that the members will take into consid- 

 eration the whole range of Ornithology, have meetings for the read- 

 ing of lectures and essays, and for discussions on topics relating to 

 the science. It might then, if well conducted, and with the addi- 

 tion of a good library and museum, become one of the most useful 

 Natural History Societies in existence. 



It is not, however, to the scientific alone that the Society appeals 

 for support ; it confidently addresses itself to all lovers of the beau- 

 ties of Nature ; to all who can appreciate the charm which the fea- 

 thered race, the most beautiful portion of the animate creation, are 

 capable of lending to ornamental water. To render the proposed 

 collection worthy of the metropolis and the scene, will require a 

 considerable expenditure, but the amount of annual subscriptions, 

 (which are usually £1) is rapidly increasing, and presents of aqua- 

 tic birds continue to be received. 



The proceedings of the Society are sanctioned by the Commis- 

 sioners of Woods and Forests ; the Earl of Liverpool is President ; 

 and the following noblemen and gentlemen are amongst the mem- 

 bers, who already consist of upwards of one hundred: — The Earl 

 of Derby, the Earl of Orkney, the Duke of Northumberland, Earl 

 Fitzwilliam, Sir J. E. Wilmot, Bart., M. P., Earl of Rosslyn, Lord 

 Hill, Lord Melbourne, Lord John Russell, M. P., Viscount Sidney, 

 the Rev. E. Stanley, Captain Bowles, J. W. Childers, Esq. If. P., 

 Dr. Horsefield, Edward Jesse, Esq., Rev. F. O. Morris, Robert 

 Mudie, Joseph Sabine, Esq., William Swainson, Esq., (Hon. Mem- 

 ber of the Committee), and William Yarrell, Esq. 



Donations of birds are to be addressed to the care of Mr. Baily, 

 poulterer, Davies-street, Berkeley-square; and communications to 

 the Secretaries should be forwarded, post paid, to Robert Lemon, 

 Esq., 6, Stafford-row, Pimlico, where also subscriptions are received. 



