40 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



similar tastes. The usual short excursions have been in many 

 instances well attended, but it is to be regretted that more of the 

 members do not avail themselves of these excellent opportunities 

 for increasing their knowledge in their respective branches of 

 natural history. 



" The usual exhibition of wild flowers was held at the October 

 meeting, which was on this occasion set apart for this purpose, 

 and, though the exhibitors were not so numerous as they might 

 have been, a good collection of native flowers was shown and 

 duly appreciated by the large attendance of members and 

 visitors. 



" During the year the Club attained its majority, and as such 

 an occurrence is worthy of special recognition it was decided to 

 celebrate it by a musical reunion, in which a number of friends 

 assisted. Among those present were nine of the original 

 members of the Club, and a most enjoyable evening was 

 spent, during which Messrs. C. French, F.L.S., and D. Best 

 related some amusing experiences of the early days of the Club. 

 This opportunity was taken to present Mr. G. Coghill, the 

 retiring hon. secretary, with a bound set of " Chambers's 

 Encyclopaedia," which had been subscribed for by his fellow- 

 members, in recognition of the valuable services he had rendered 

 while acting as hon. sec. during the previous four years. As a 

 momento of this interesting stage of the Club's career, Mr. F. G. 

 A. Barnard presented to the Club a framed record he had 

 prepared, showing the office-bearers during the 21 years, together 

 with a list of the original members, which is now hung in the 

 Club room. 



" In order to coincide with the wild flower season, and thus 

 introduce a new feature, it has been decided to hold a two days' 

 conversazione during September next, when it is hoped that every 

 effort will be made by members to make it the success it deserves 

 to be. 



" It was also deemed advisable by your committee to reprint 

 the Club rules, and, as several alterations had been made since 

 last printed, the whole were carefully revised and adopted at a 

 special meeting convened for the purpose, and will shortly be 

 ready for distribution. 



" In order to enable members, and more especially those who 

 have only recently joined, to more readily distinguish fellow- 

 members while attending field excursions, meetings, &c., the 

 adoption of a distinguishing badge was suggested, and after long 

 and careful consideration of the several suggestions received, it 

 was decided to recommend that the shell Nassajasciata, which, 

 mounted as a pendant, could be either worn on the coat or 

 attached to the watch chain, be the badge of the Club, which was 

 endorsed by the general meeting. 



