8 
obtaining rooms where we can take our refreshments. There 
was a good attendance at most of the excursions. It is of 
course difficult to state exactly the work done on these occasions. 
The Leaders of the party can only point out the general features 
of scientific interest in the country passed through, while those 
who have any special pursuit are sure to find their reward in 
the hunting up of quiet nooks and corners—their enthusiasm 
often proving infectious. It is no small advantage that we 
always take with us a ‘“‘pleasure section’”’—a proof that we 
welcome the return of spring and summer with grateful hearts. 
Our Evening Rambles were again continued in 1884. In 
some instances short journeys by train took us to lanes and 
fields and ponds in freer air, and less frequented than the 
immediate neighbourhood of the City. These short trips were 
well appreciated, attracting even larger numbers than our more 
distant and elaborately planned excursions. The Committee 
hope to continue the Evening Rambles this year. 
In the month of September the City of Chester was visited 
by the Iron and Steel Institute—a body composed of men not 
only interested in an important mercantile business, but also in 
the scientific bearings of their industry. It also numbers 
amongst its members some very distinguished naturalists, and 
to secure their presence amongst us, your Committee were glad 
to arrange their Annual Conversazione for September 25th. 
By the kindness of the Mayor (CHARLES Brown, EsqQ.), the 
Town Hall was again placed at our disposal. We invited for 
the occasion various manufacturers of the district to exhibit 
both the processes of their manufactures and also the results, 
thus giving to our Annual Meeting a somewhat new feature. 
The microscopes, scientific instruments, and objects of Natural 
History were not wanting. A short Hand-book of Natural 
History, prepared by Mr. Cuarrzs Fisu for our microscope 
exhibitions, was again brought into use, and will be found 
highly valuable by our Members. The Conversazione was 
argely attended, and it is hoped gave pleasure to our own 
eo Oe 
