fihould expect to find at least giving their support to such a 

 good work as the Society is accomplishing. Good work, I say 

 adrisedly, our work has at least had the merit of being educational, 

 and that ia a branch of learning that has been much neglected. I 

 should have expected that those, whose position as the guardians of 

 education, would have shown a more lively interest in our proceed- 

 ings. They may perhaps have considered that some of om- workers 

 are not fitted by education or station for teachers, but I would have 

 them remember that of all studies that of Natural History can least 

 be learned by books. The practical illustrations which have been 

 given in Natural History in connection with this Society have been 

 eminently calculated to instruct and encourage workers in Natural 

 History. Many of the papers and illustrations on Natural History 

 subjects read and given before this Society have been appreciated 

 by societies in London, and have found their way into many of the 

 scientific papers that are published. 



Perhaps some of those who hold aloof from our meetings may 

 excuse themselves on the plea that they care but little for such 

 studies. I would have them remember that the example of their 

 presence would be followed by others, and that in this way they 

 would greatly benefit us. Our Society has suffered much from the 

 ridicule which some have thought fit to bestow, though I am glad 

 to say we have outlived such discouragement. I fear there is some- 

 thing in the atmosphere of Cathedral towns not quite congenial to 

 such societies. Archaeology flourishes, but other subjects fare badly. 

 These remarks are not intended to give offence to any one. I hope 

 that the public will give me credit for these remarks, being dictated 

 purely through my zeal for my favourite study. Glad indeed shall 

 I be to fijad that any one has read them in a friendly spirit. Enough 

 has, however, been said on the subject. I have a more congenial 

 task before me in asking you to systematise the work before us. 

 A want of funds has prevented our expending so much in printing 

 and sending notices to members of all meetings, as we could wish. 

 It would be most desirable that our proceedings should appear in 

 some periodical which might be taken by all members. I must here 

 express our thanks to the proprietors ef the " Kentish Gazette" that 

 they have so uniformly assisted us in bringing this Society before 

 its more distant members. One of the great advantages we should 

 derive from a hearty co-operation of other societies of a kindred 

 nature in East Kent would be the enabling us to publish such pro- 

 ceedings of all our papers of interest. And I can only wish for our 

 excellent treasurer and librarian that his labours may be increased 

 fourfold. The Library of Works of Reference in Natui'al History is 

 now an invaluable boon to the members of the Society, our 

 annual additions of expensive works having brought it up to the 

 best collection in the county. 



Lastly, I would suggest that our monthly meetings might be 



