IIEMARKS RELATING TO THE FORMATION 

 OF THE UNION. 



The utility and value, both to science and agriculture, 

 rendered by the numerous ornithological unions which have 

 at different times been formed in several countries for the 

 purpose of promoting the study of ornithology, suggested 

 some years ago to the minds of local students the desirability 

 of establishing a South African Association with similar aims 

 and objects. 



Although thought of prior to the war, the foundation of 

 the Union was not effected until 1904 when the occasion of 

 the visit to Johannesburg of the South African Association 

 for the Advancement of Science in April of that year was 

 seized upon as an opportune time for the calling of a meeting 

 to consider the project. The credit of this first step lies 

 largely with the present Honorary Secretary (Mr, A. K. 

 Haagner, M.B.O.U.), who was the chief mover in the issue 

 of a circular to all prominent South African Ornithologists, 

 giving them notice of the suggested meeting and asking for 

 an expression of opinion for or against the formation of such 

 a society. 



The response to this letter of invitation was of a gratifying 

 character, some 40 persons, numbering amongst them all the 

 best-known local students o£ South African Ornithology, 

 unanimously deciding in favour of the proposed Union. 



The Inaugural Meeting was accordingly held on the 8th 

 April, 1904, at Johannesburg, and the following is a report 

 of what took ])lace. 



a2 



