vi Proceedings. 



We may vrell be congratulated on the success of our last 

 Soiree, on which occasion the number admitted to the halls was 

 881, being by far the largest number recorded at any previous 

 Soiree, and showing most clearly that the interest taken in the 

 Club, not merely by its members but by the public generally, is 

 not flagging, but that it is really on the increase. 



The excursions organised by the Club during the past year 

 were as follows : — 



April lAth (Easter Monday). — A whole day excursion to 

 Hayes Common. 



June 2ml (Whit Monday). — A whole day excursion to the Pil- 

 grim's Way, in East Surrey, under the guidance of Mr. Topley. 



Aug. 11th. — To Woking and Weybridge, under the guidance 

 of Mr. Kenneth McKean. 



There were also the following excursions organised by the 

 Geological Association, in which we were invited to join, and of 

 which our members took advantage : — 



April 26</(.— To Guildford. 



May 10th.— To the Crystal Palace. 



Jime 28th. — To Caterham and Merstham. 



These excursions were mostly well attended, but I do not 

 think the system of workmg them which we have followed is a 

 good one, and I should suggest that in future (unless the excur- 

 sion is for any one particular object) instead of the members 

 keeping together, they should separate and divide themselves 

 into the various geological, botanical, and zoological sections, 

 this would afford every member the opportunity of following his 

 own particular hobby. Under the present system, when all are 

 supposed to keep together, it is quite impossible for any member 

 to stop for the purpose of collecting either pond-life or any other 

 special object for fear of losing his party. Now, if an arrange- 

 ment is made at starting that each section takes its own course, 

 and that all are to meet at the latter part of the day at some 

 particular house or spot for refreshment, each section will in all 

 probability have something to show for its day's work, and will 

 be enabled to compare its various finds. By this system a great 

 deal of knowledge and information may be obtained and dis- 

 seminated, and a list may be made at the conclusion of the 

 various things met with. One great benefit of these held 

 excursions is that they strengthen friendship ; members become 

 better acquainted after being over the happy hunting-ground 

 together ; they exchange ideas, and mutually help each other and 

 throw aside selfishness ; they obtain wholesome exercise, and 

 breathe pure air. When practicable and advisable I think we 



