PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



en 



This volume has been compiled for the guidance of the 

 Students of Natural History in Eepton School, in the 

 hope that it may receive many additions and corrections 

 as further researches are carried on. 



For the writers it contains a record of pleasant hours, 

 passed amidst scenes known and dear to all old Eeptonians. 

 Few Schools in Eugland enjoy such advantages as we 

 possess in the beauty of our neighbourhood and the extent 

 of our range. The very names of Bretby and Foremark, 

 Knoll Hills and Anchor Church, Eept6n Rocks, Twyford 

 Ferry, Tanyard Lane, call up a landscape of rich and 

 varied interest, noble timber and fi-agrant lanes, broad 

 meadows 



"dewy fresh, browsed by deep-uddered kine," 



and woods carpeted with bracken, or glowing with blue- 

 bells ; and the " smug and silver Trent," always fresh and 

 teeming with life, winding like a bright riband through 

 the wide valley. 



To all Eepton men these scenes are connected with 

 pleasant recollections, but surely to none so much as those 

 whose enjoyment of liberty and exercise has been enhanced 

 by a love of Nature, rendered distinct and permanent by a 

 definite pursuit. " Happy truly is the NaturaHst. The 

 earth becomes to him transparent ; everywhere he sees 

 significances, harmonies, laws, chains of cause and effect 



