50 
APRIL 16TH. 
ORDINARY MEETING—MR. T. W. WONFOR ON 
THE VERIFICATION OF THE FAUNA AND FLORA 
OF THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX. 
When at the last ordinary meeting of the Society, he suggested 
that the time had, he thought, arrived for them to take steps for the 
classification and verification of the Natural History of the County of 
Sussex, it would be recollected it was urged by the members then 
present that he should bring the matter forward again, explaining what 
steps the Society should take, and how individual members could co- 
operate in carrying out so desirable an object. In accordance with 
that request he proposed to offer suggestions, not so much for the 
purpose of dogmatizing, as eliciting discussion, and discovering what 
were the views of other members of the Society. 
Some, possibly, might think the Society ought to have done what 
was proposed long since, but he felt that, to have attempted too much 
in its earlier days would have imperilled its existence or impaired its 
usefulness. Established as it was “for the purpose of encouraging the 
study of Natural History among its members,” it began in a very un- 
pretending way with a monthly meeting, and the nucleus of its present 
library. As it became older and stronger it extended its meetings to 
twice a month, devoting one to the microscope; this had been of 
great advantage to many, more especially the younger members, for 
it had been the means of imparting useful hints in preparation, 
mounting, illumination, and many other points in connection with the 
microscope. 
Then the field excursions held during the summer months had been 
a source of great pleasure and enjoyment. Added to these the Soireés 
had enabled the Society to entertain not only their friends among the 
male sex, but also to let the ladies see what kinds of objects interested 
the members. With these additions to its sphere of usefulness, the 
library had also been increased, the annual reports had become 
volumes, and the right-hand of fellowship, by an interchange of 
privileges, had been held out to the members of kindred Societies 
throughout the country. The Society had also given to science an in- 
stalment in the shape of the ‘‘ Moss Flora” of the County, and acting 
on the Latin maxim—* Vires acquirit eundo” gained strength by pro- 
gress, and thus was enabled to extend its usefulness. 
It might be deemed out of place in addressing a Natural History 
