213 



A paper was read by J. H. Taunton, Esq., on " The Watershed 

 of the Upper Thames, in connection with the Water-supply of 

 the Metropolis." Mr. Taunton was of opinion that the rain 

 waters of the Cotteswolds, though now lost in large quantities, 

 might nevertheless, if proper means were adopted, suffice, in 

 connection with the existing supply, for all the wants and 

 purposes of the Metropolis. He also believed that the steps 

 now being taken for preventing the pollution of the river will, 

 when ultimately carried out, do away with the necessity of 

 constructing an aqueduct or any other artificial means for 

 conveying water; and that the supply afforded by the river, 

 unpolluted, will meet all the requirements of those who live on 

 its banks. 



With this meeting, which was in all respects a most agreeable 

 one, terminated the field- gatherings of the Club for the season — 

 a season which has been surpassed by none of its foreininners in 

 any of the elements which go to make such Associations as ours 

 useful and successful. Long may such Associations flourish. 

 Their origin dates but from yesterday — the oldest of our Field 

 Clubs has not yet seen a quarter of a century of life — yet in 

 that short time it is impossible to overrate the good they have 

 effected, their importance as a means of education, and last, 

 though not least, their value as a means of bringing together 

 in social and genial fellowship those united in a common 

 love of Nature and Nature's works, who may yet, but for the 

 happy medium afforded by our gatherings, lack means of 

 intercommunication ; while amongst others for whom a pleasant 

 ramble has its attractions, a taste is difPused for scientific study, 

 which may one day bear fruit in valuable contributions to the 

 general stock of knowledge, and will certainly amply reward the 

 individual by the increase of bodily health and of intellectual 

 pleasure which he will experience in the pursuit. 



