The Field Naturalist's 

 Quarterly 



Vol. I. MAY 1902. No. 2. 



Editorial. 



With the advent of spring Field Naturalist Clubs all over 

 the kingdom will once more resume active operations. 

 How vast is the scope of work on all sides calling for 

 observation is a subject that need not be laboured here. 

 But the great importance of the work that is done by 

 such organisations is frequently unappreciated by the 

 general public, and the societies themselves in many 

 localities do not receive that local support which might 

 reasonably be expected. We gladly recognise, however, 

 that this feeling of apathy is gradually becoming a thing 

 of the past, and it is certain that at no previous date was 

 there, on the whole, so much attention given to what may 

 be termed local natural science. As to what precisely 

 should be the functions of Field Naturalist institutions 

 opinions differ, some taking a much more restricted view 

 of their duties than others. Obviously the nature of the 

 particular district concerned must be an important con- 

 sideration. For ourselves, we would have the greatest 

 latitude allowed and encouraged in selecting subjects to 

 which the members of field clubs should turn their atten- 

 tion. The personal tastes of individuals vary immensely 

 in these matters as in others, and to restrict the work 

 VOL. I. — NO. 2. F 



