us 



Clubs, the only ones, I believe, then existing, though now 

 abounding throughout the country. Accordingly I invited all 

 who were favourable to the scheme to meet me on an appointed 

 day at the Literary Institution, where, in the room now called 

 the Lockey Room, after reading over for approval a few rules 

 which I had drawn up, and which I thought would serve in the 

 first instance, on the 18th of February, 1855, the " Bath Natural 

 History and Antiquarian Field Club " took its beginning. 



But to return to him of whom I desire to speak most on this 

 occasion : Broome was naturally quiet and reserved, and did not 

 show to advantage in public gatherings. But as a companion in 

 a walk — a botanising excursion especially — none could excel him, 

 none make himself more friendly and agreeable. 



Broome had an uncommon sharp eye in looking after a plant 

 known to grow in a particular locality, and which we were in 

 search of. He seemed to have a sort of instinctive determination 

 not to leave the place till one of us had found it, unless compelled 

 by circumstances to do so, and the discovery of the first specimen 

 rested much oftener with him than with myself 1 remember 

 only two instances in which neither of us had any success, and 

 when we were forced to return home without the prize. In one 

 of the cases we were led to think afterwards it was a mistake, and 

 that the plant did not grow there at all ; in the other, that the 

 plant had become extinct in that particular locality. 



He was also clever in finding his way about in strange places. 

 When at a loss about the road or in doubt as to where a par- 

 ticular path led, I always left the decision to him, feeling sure we 

 should come right in the end. 



It was mostly during our quiet walks alone that we carried on 

 our botanical researches. The Club's regular excursions, though 

 very pleasant in themselves, afford little opportunity for any 

 steady work in Natural History. I remember once, our late much 

 esteemed Member, Charles Moore, on its being remarked that he 

 seldom walked with the Club, gave as a reason that there was 



