


a7 
excursions have somewhat diminished. Reasons may be 
adduced for this. Many of the first members, as is well-known, 
were gentlemen in the military and civil services, returned 
from India, who, although advanced in years, possessed wonder- 
ful physique and mental activity, and having toiled in foreign 
service thoroughly enjoyed the active outdoor researches of 
this Society. Then fortnightly walks were undertaken ; 
starting every alternate Tuesday mornings from the Institu- 
tion, they visited the various villages in the surrounding 
district in search of objects of natural history, archeology, 
and geology. This tosome extent prepared them for the more 
important excursions undertaken by road and rail, and gave 
them a zest for inquiries and researches in more distant 
places and more celebrated centres of antiquarian interest. 
Probably another reason for decadent activity may be traced 
to the circumstance that several kindred societies have 
recently been formed for the purpose of acquiring scientific 
acquaintance with neighbouring localities—the Somerset 
branch of the Archeological Society, and the Selborne Society, 
CEG. 
These have done good work, and under the guidance and 
stimulating influence of Mr. T. S. Bush and Mr. Trice Martin 
have undertaken explorations on Lansdown, the results of 
which have been deposited with other antiquarian treasures 
in the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution. 
