The Presidents of the 
Lincolnshire Naturalists’ Union. 
F. M. BURTON, F.L.S., F.G.S. 
It is a difficult matter even to attempt to write a fairly faith- 
ful sketch of one who has done so much, and who is so well known 
to the members of the Union, as Mr. Burton. He has taken such 
keen interest in research for over sixty years, that there are few 
indeed who can remember his earlier activities. Neither has he 
confined his efforts to any one branch of natural history : but with 
the energy and resource so characteristic of the man, has given 
his whole-attention to one department, and then to another in 
succession. 
Though geology has been Mr. Burton’s favourite study, he 
has lived the life of the ‘all round Naturalist.” Entomology first 
attracted him, as it has so many Naturalists who afterwards 
become distinguished. He made a fine collection of the 
Lepidoptera which could be taken round Lincoln, Grantham, and 
Gainsborough, as well as in other parts of the county as opport- 
unity allowed. ‘The specimens now form an invaluable possession. 
Many species that were fairly common in the “forties” and 
“ fifties” have now become very rare, and in some cases extinct. 
The Rey. Edward Thring was head-master of Uppingham 
while Mr. Burton was living there. And he says, “though not a 
naturalist, Mr. Thring took great interest in nature-study as an 
educational stimulus. He liked to see the various captures made, 
and to hear about the animals and plants of the district.” It was 
something precious in those days to have any intellectual sympathy 
in nature-study; and it acted as a stimulus on our second 
President to continue in his work. 
Marine Zoology also attracted Mr. Burton’s attention. A 
peep at his collections will prove how far he went. No one 
who has not personally taken up this wide subject can appreciate 
the labour that has to be bestowed in determining the micro- 
scopic and greater wonders of marine life, 
