10 
and it will be admitted that the lectures have not been 
ephemeral in their effects. 
The Excursions have supplied means of obtaining 
extended and accurate knowledge of the objects and 
phenomena which give charm to the country, and of 
contemplating and studying the treasures of art and 
antiquity. Moreover, the active, open-air life of the 
excursions, the change of scenery, and genial com- 
panionship conduce to healthful enjoyment; and the 
memory is filled with pleasant impressions which tend 
to enrich the life. 
It is to be regretted that the formation of Sec- 
tions for the pursuit of definite aims of an artistic, 
archeological, botanical, or geological character, has 
not so far met with large success. A scheme is how- 
ever at present under revision by which it is hoped to 
develope this department of the Society’s work so that 
more practical results may be secured. 
One of the most noteworthy episodes in the annals 
of the Club and one which may fittingly be here re- 
corded, was the interview with Mr. Philip Gilbert 
Hamerton, the eminent author and artist, which took 
place in the Council Room, on October 28th, 1882. 
Addresses were given expressive of the gratification 
felt at Mr. Hamerton’s presence amongst them, and 
recognizing the great services he had rendered to 
literature and art. Mr. Hamerton, in responding, nar- 
rated many interesting incidents in the course of his 
eventful literary career; and stated that he looked 
upon those before him as “ servants of civilization ?’”— 
a civilization that meant not only the higher culture 
of the mind, but everything which tended to promote 
the comfort and well-being of the people. He declared 
how proud he was of his connection with Burnley, 
and added that in all his life that occasion was the 
most pleasurable one he had ever experienced. 
During the ten years of its existence, the Club 
has had to deplore the loss by death of some of its 
