io The Scottish Naturalist. 



to our own j it will be sufficient for our purpose to gather from 

 the experiences of the most prominent and successful of our 

 co-temporaries, material wherewith to construct a solid and 

 permanent edifice for ourselves. At the outset I may mention 

 that the following remarks refer more especially to provincial 

 societies, such as the Perthshire Society of Natural Science ; 

 since, in large towns, the seats of universities, or where there 

 are valuable museums, elements enter into the working of 

 Natural History Societies which cannot here be taken into con- 

 sideration, and a different plan of action must obviously obtain 

 precedence. 



Most, if not all, local Natural History Societies, have had 

 their origin either in the desire felt by a few ardent students for 

 a medium for the interchange of thoughts and experiences, a 

 common ground on which to meet and ask and take assistance 

 from each other ; or in the wish cherished by a few enthusiastic 

 Naturalists, that means should be taken for more generally pro- 

 moting the study of Natural History, and affording to earnest 

 enquirers opportunities of receiving that assistance from the 

 experienced, which in the study of Nature, is so very essential. 

 Already those societies have, in these directions, answered the 

 expectations of their founders and supporters. The monthly or 

 fortnightly meeting is looked forward to with interest by those 

 members who have met with difficulties, which they will then 

 be aided to surmount, or by those who have obtained specimens 

 with which they are unacquainted, and which will then be 

 named and commented upon for them. A proportion of the 

 papers read will be devoted exclusively to detailed directions 

 either for finding specimens, or for manipulating them when ob- 

 tained ; and the exhibition of specimens, and record of note- 

 worthy observations will be a source of interest and instruction 

 to all. These meetings are fraught with valuable benefits to 

 every class of members ; the beginner is encouraged, and in- 

 duced to persevere ; the more advanced are wisely guided, and 

 stimulated to renewed exertions ; while the most learned and 

 experienced are certain to gain some additional information. 



The subjects which present themselves to the members of a 

 local society for consideration and discussion will naturally 

 have reference to the productions of the immediate neighbour- 

 hood, and the specimens to be found in the district of which 



