Annual Address to the Cotteswold Naturalists’ Field Club, read by 
T. B. Lu. Baxer, President, at Gloucester. 
Reap Fesrvuary 16, 1859. 
Agarn my friends have we met, and again does it fall to my duty to 
record, however briefly and imperfectly, the transactions of our Club. 
You will forgive me, I am sure, if, on this occasion, I go back 
somewhat farther than usual, to the time when Sir Thomas Tancred 
—who, though he never would take any other title than that of 
Secretary, so long as he staid with us, was the real author and 
manager of our Club, first called together, in July, 1846, a small 
party at the ‘‘ Black Horse” on Birdlip Hill, and in the course of a 
walk through Witcombe Woods, the Roman Villa, and Cooper’s 
Hill, shewed us how much enjoyment and instruction might be 
gained by a simple ramble through beautiful scenery, in company 
with several men who are all more or less skilled; but at least, all 
interested in that glorious study of nature, in whose honour our 
meetings are held. On that day, when the sun shone fairly on us, 
and all went smoothly, we first felt the charm of such meetings in 
fine weather. But, on our next meeting, when we essayed a Forest 
ramble, and spite of torrents of rain—such as the skies of the Forest 
can produce when they please—spent a really enjoyable day, then, 
indeed, we felt that our love for nature was not a mere fair weather 
fancy, but one that would stand the test of winter and rough 
weather. 
From that time, for now thirteen years, have we enjoyed our five 
or six meetings per annum. Our Club has been as full as we 
thought it prudent to allow; it has been the means of bringing 
together many men of eminent talents, and uniting them ina common 
band, and it has, I believe, also been the means of encouraging many 
VoL. II. Q 
