50 The Scottish Naturalist. 



value in regard to the flora of the islands, to our knowledge of 

 which he added considerably. 



The Orkney Islands are rich in monuments of the past ; and in 

 the exploration of these Dr. Clouston took an active part. During 

 his long life he had frequent opportunities of engaging in this 

 congenial work, as several of the most important of these ancient 

 memorials were discovered or explored during the latter part of 

 this century. Dr. Clouston's father was minister of the parish and 

 town of Stromness in the Mainland of Orkney, and was himself 

 descended from an old Orcadian family of Norse descent. Dr- 

 Clouston was born in the year 1800. Wishing originally to enter 

 the medical profession he studied with that intention in Edinburgh 

 University; and he became L.R.C.S.E. in 1819. But thereafter 

 he entered on the study of Theology ; and in 1826 he became 

 assistant and successor to his father, who had charge of the com- 

 bined parishes of Sandwick and Stromness. We are informed that 

 the duration of the united ministries of his father and of himself 

 reached the extraordinary length of 120 years. For many years he 

 made a good use of his knowledge, giving advice and medicines 

 (gratis) to the people of Sandwick, where no medical officer was 

 resident. The University of St. Andrews conferred on him the 

 well-merited degree of LL.D. He leaves a widow, two sons, and 

 two daughters. 



THE AIMS OP A NATURALISTS' HELD CLUB. 

 By Dr. HOWDEN. 



[The following paper was delivered to the Montrose Scientific and 

 Field Club on 27th January, 1885. Though of special 

 interest and value to the Members of that Society, we believe 

 it to deserve a more permanent record and a wider diffusion 

 than it could obtain in the minutes of the club ; and we com- 

 mend it to the careful perusal of all interested in the question 

 of the fitting work of local Natural History Societies and 

 Field Clubs. En. Scot Nat.'] 



The second clause of the constitution of the Montrose Scientific 

 and Field Club states that its "objects shall be to promote 

 scientific studies and research, and to cultivate friendly intercourse 



