197 



Seventeen members having been brought together by a three- 

 lined JVhip, the dinner, which had fallen through the year before, 

 was held at the Grand Pump Room Hotel in the evening, the 

 vice-president, the Eev. Preb. Scarth, in the chair. 



After the usual loyal toasts, Mr. Skrine, who was called upon 

 to give the health of the president the Eev. L. Blomefield, said 

 it was a duty as well as a pleasure to propose such a toast to 

 them. From the very commencement of the Club's life, now 

 some thirty years ago, until the present time, it might well be 

 said of him tu es Patromis, tu es Parens. Ever ready to lead the 

 way and encourage the research of any interesting object of 

 natural history in our neighbourhood, he had earned our respect 

 and regard by the vigorous exercise of his intellect. If not 

 able, through physical weakness, to be with the Club in their 

 excursions and walks, yet his mind showed no lack of its former 

 strength, witness his recent admirable paper on the *" Bourne- 

 mouth Firs," and the numerous contributions to our "Proceedings." 

 Let, then, his unceasing energy excite us never to rest on our 

 oars, but to work on and do our very best to distribute valuable 

 information on the subjects which concern the Club, and with 

 which we may be familiar. Without putting himself forward, 

 but showing that modesty which becomes a great mind, it may 

 be truly said of him, nihil tetigit quod non ornavit. Before sitting 

 down he must also give the health of the Vice-President, so well 

 known for his antiquarian lore, and so ready at all times to come 

 forward and support and promote the objects of the Club. He 

 was glad to see him among them that evening so vigorous and 

 well. For nearly 30 years he had been connected with the 

 Club, may he be so for 30 years more ! 



Mr. Scarth, in returning thanks, spoke of the advantage of 

 such clubs, and said that this one had taken up a portion of 

 work much needed in the neighbourhood. 



* Proc. 1886, Vol. vi., No. 1, p. 39. 



