14 
Three excursions were arranged during the Summer, and of 
these two were successfully carried through. The first, to 
Tamworth and Hopwas Wood on May 18th, was a joint 
excursion with the Birmingham Natural History and Philo- 
sophical Society. The Burton party, under the leadership of 
Mr. T. Gibbs, turned out in fair force; but the Birmingham 
Society, led by Mr. T. V. Hodgson, was very scantily repre- 
sented. Although the weather was unseasonably cold, a very 
pleasant afternoon was spent. The second excursion was on 
the 22nd June, when a good party of members, under the 
leadership of Mr. J. G. Wells, visited Castleton, and spent a 
most enjoyable day among the Caves and Dales. The third 
excursion which had been arranged was to Ratby and the 
Roman Encampment, Mr. R. Harrison having promised to 
be the leader—-but this, which promised to be an interesting 
and popular excursion, unfortunately fell through, in conse- 
quence of unsettled weather. 
In connection with the Summer season, mention must also 
be made of the President’s generous action in throwing open 
his private museum to the members of the Society on two 
Saturday afternoons in August. A considerable number 
availed themselves of the opportunity thus afforded of viewing 
what is, doubless, one of the best private collections of natural] 
history objects in the country, afterwards partaking of the 
refreshments which Mrs. Mason had hospitably provided. 
Encouraged by the striking success of Mr. Whymper’s 
lecture last season, your Committee secured Captain C. H. 
W. Donovan, Author of ‘‘ With Wilson in Matabeleland,” to 
deliver his lecture on experiences in the Matabele War. The 
lecture, which was given in St. George’s Hall, on March rath, 
attracted a good audience, and resulted in a substantial addi- 
tion to the Society’s funds. 
Since our last Annual Meeting, a further part of the Society's 
Transactions has been published and despatched to members. 
Another part, completing the Society’s proceedings down to the 
ee 
