10 



we have a field entirely untrodden, and one, from the multitude 

 of forms which it embraces, almost of unlimited research. 



Natural History was the main subject of inquiry to which it 

 was intended this Club should devote itself when first instituted. 

 The subject of Antiquities was afterwards added, and I think 

 very properly. For, although there is no very close connection 

 between the two, it still often happens that those who take an 

 interest in the one subject, take an interest in the other also, and 

 the two can be well prosecuted together in a field excursion, — 

 parties either joining, — or, if preferred, separating for a time to 

 follow up their respective pursuits, and coming together again at 

 the end of the day's Avork. It is a question, indeed, whether, 

 whenever there is a large company in the field, it might not be 

 desirable to break up into even more than two sections, according 

 to the prevailing tastes of the members present, and the objects 

 they have in view. 



If Antiquities have of late years attracted the attention of the 

 Club more, perhaps, than other subjects, — it has been mainly due 

 to the circumstance of the whole number of members having been 

 hitherto small, with very few naturalists among them. But now 

 that the number seems to be increasing, we may fairly hope that 

 Natural History will in proportion have an increased number of 

 followers. I need not dwell here upon the rich stores which are 

 open to the Antiquary in this neighbourhood, — especially in Bath 

 itself and the immediate precincts, — where so much has turned 

 up, carrying us back to the days of occupation of this place by 

 the Romans, — altars, portions of the great temple of Minerva, 

 sepulchral remains, coins, and various other articles of interest; — 

 nor need I stop to point out the numerous ancient mansions, 

 churches, &c., to be met Avith in more distant rambles from the 

 city. They are too well known to require mention, and they 

 have been mostly already visited by the Club, and in many 

 instances well described and illustrated by our valuable member, 

 the Rev. H. M. Scarth, to whom the public are so much indebted 

 for his labours in this department. 



