9 
are without doubt Entomologists, and several of our members have 
excellent collections, especially of the Lepidoptera. It is no wonder 
that this is the case, when we consider not only the number and 
beauty of the various species, the excitement of the chase in capturing 
them, the readiness with which their wonderful development from the 
egg to the perfect insect may be watched at home in all its stages, but 
also the proximity of Chat Moss, Carrington Moss, and other 
places where they are to be found in great abundance, so that a large 
and interesting collection may be made in ashorttime. The making 
of a collection of specimens is almost, if not absolutely, essential to 
the successful study of Natural History, in any of its numerous divi- 
sions and sub-divisions. ‘To examine at one time one specimen, and 
at another a different one, no matter how exact the notes which may 
be made, does not convey to and impress upon the mind anything 
like the same amount of information as may be gained by placing 
individual specimens side by side, in a collection. Beyond this there 
are those peculiar charms of memory—known only to collectors— 
connected with the history of each particular specimen ; the time, the 
place, the companions, and other circumstances connected with it, 
are vividly recalled, and always with pleasure. Several members of 
our Society have taken great interest in the collection and preserva- 
tion of birds and in the study of Ornithology. At the exhibitions that 
have been held by the Society, it has been remarked that there has 
been a great preponderance of Entomological and Ornithological 
specimens. These, and collections of birds’ eggs, have been much 
admired for their excellence in every respect. Botanical specimens 
have not made so great a show, chiefly because dried specimens of 
plants occupy a great deal of space, are easily damaged, and are found 
not to be of great general interest. The botanical division of Natural 
History has, for this reason, been chiefly represented at our exhibi- 
tions by specimens of foreign vegetable productions, and illustrations 
of the uses to which they are applied. 
These exhibitions have pretty fairly represented the chief divisions 
of Natural History that our Society has so far taken up. 
Many of our members are provided with microscopes, and one—the 
property of the Society—is kept in the meeting room, for use when- 
ever required. 
The following report of our proceedings will show that numerous 
subjects, besides those already mentioned, have been brought before 
us. 
The lists which we publish do not represent the number of speci- 
mens that have been submitted to our consideration. Numerous 
beasts, birds, fishes, reptiles, insects, and plants have been shown, 
which have been obtained from a distance. Deformities, both animal 
and vegetable, and cultivated garden plants have also been exhibited, 
and several members have at different times made excursions to 
