44 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIV. 



have' given their time and frequently gone to much trouble to 

 stimulate an interest in nature among the young members. 



"The number of papers brought before the Club equals that of 

 the previous year. Altogether 28 have been published, and of 

 these 5 relate to zoology, 9 to botany, 5 to geology, 4 to general 

 subjects, and 5 to trips and excursions. Of the zoological papers 

 4 were devoted to birds and i to fish. The authors were — 

 Messrs. F. G. A. Barnard, C. L. Barrett, F. Chapman, A.L.S., 

 Professor A. J. Ewart, D.Sc, Ph.D., J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., A. 

 Mattingley, A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., A. E. Phillips, G. B. 

 Pritchard, F.G.S., F. M. Reader, F.R.H.S., Dr. C. C Simpson, 

 Professor W. Baldwin Spencer, C.M.G., F.R.S., Dr. C. S. 

 Sutton, E. O. Thiele, and C. Walter. Several of the papers were 

 illustrated by very fine series of highly interesting lantern views, 

 which have proved not only attractive, but have added con- 

 siderably to the interest of the subjects dealt with, and have 

 enabled members to follow more clearly the explanations given. 



" Short natural history notes on subjects of general interest have 

 been read at nearly every meeting, while remarks on the speci- 

 mens exhibited have been frequent and instructive. The exhibi- 

 tion of specimens continues to form one of the most interesting 

 features of our monthly meetings, and we take this opportunity to 

 remind members that there is room for considerable expansion in 

 this direction. Exhibits of specimens collected during the Club's 

 excursions add interest to the reports read at the meetings, while 

 more frequent exhibits in subjects such as entomology (particularly 

 life-histories), pond and marine life, are especially desirable, and 

 would be appreciated, particularly by beginners. 



"The monthly meetings continue to be well attended, the 

 average throughout the year being about 68. The lowest 

 attendance at any one meeting was 50, the highest being 130. 



"A programme of about 20 senior and 11 junior excursions was 

 carried out during the year, and these proved both enjoyable and 

 instructive. The attendances have been satisfactory, while the 

 lively interest shown by those taking part is encouraging to the 

 leaders, and well repays the time and trouble frequently involved. 



"The usual Christmas camp was held this year at Mornington, 

 taking on this occasion the form of an instruction camp. It 

 extended from 24th December to the 2nd January, and over 100 

 persons took part, of whom over 80 spent the time under canvas. 

 Among these were some 50 State school teachers, who, at the 

 invitation of the Club, were selected by the Director of Educa- 

 tion, Mr. F. Tate, M.A., who also attended and took great 

 interest in the proceedings. A committee, consisting of Messrs. 

 R. W. Armitage, T. S. Hall, M.A., J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., J. 

 S. Kitson, E. Lees, and G. B. Pritchard, F.G.S., was appointed 

 to assist the leader, Mr. J. A. Leach, M.Sc, in the management 

 of the camp. An excellent programme was drawn up, providing 



