17 



Kiver ; our chief care being not to extend it too rapidly, but only as. 

 eacli foot of ground is worked. Our published lists must continue to 

 comprise only such objects as may be obtained in a day's outing ; or 

 when they are from any greater distance the locality must be specially 

 named. 



With such a record for the Club, what wonder that I fear the diffi-^ 

 culty of maintaining its good name and aiding in its blight future. 

 The vista presented to our view is unlimited, for not only is the per- 

 fecting of our neighboui'hood before us, but a national work has been 

 begun — could our example but start similar clubs in other districts, their 

 work when added to ours would complete a system unequalled for 

 simplicity and completeness. The scheme is quite feasible. Already 

 several clubs have written for our rules and have commenced a system 

 of field-work. There are naturalists in es^ery district, to start whose 



enei'gies some central force only is required. Cuuld onr national centre 

 of Natural History but see its way clear to assume this duty, the most 

 fixvourable results would inevitably follow. 



During the period that has elapsed since I entered into office 

 much work has-been accomplished. The summer has come and gone 

 during which season the Club has exhibited great activity. This is 

 really the most important period of our year, and the field-work that 

 by which we must hope to maintain our reputation. To its attractions. 

 we owe the favour in which the Club is held, and the popularity it has 

 gained, and by it we must strive to retain the interest of the members. 

 During the i)resent year the Council has given special attention to such 

 work. In the intervals between the regular excursions— in addition to 

 the frequent afternoon and eaily morning outings — sub-excursions were 

 held every second Saturday afternoon. The leaders received the names 

 of those who wished to accompany the parties and notified each one of 

 the spot to be visited. When the locality was favouraUe two or more 

 divisions would unite. The progress in some branches has been very 

 pleasing, encouraging the leaders to continue such outings another 

 season, Avith hopes of still greater success. The regular excur.sions 

 weie also as numerous as in previous years. • It was feared that the 

 sub-excursions would detract from the success of these lai'ger gatherino-p^ 

 but the results show that our fears were not realized. The opening of 



