30o 



Nearly every true iiatiualist lif^s, in varying degree, liie faculty, 

 not only of artistic perception, but of execution, as evidenced by the 

 illustrations that so many of them prepare to accompany their wi'itings. 

 We need not go beyond our own membershiji for instances of this, and 

 every one who studies nature should endeavor to cultivate this admirable 

 gift. A few strokes of the pencil are frequently more effective than 

 much labor with the pen. 



Crude and incomplete have been the views which I have endeavored 

 to sketch of our duties, pursuits and pleasures as field-naturalists ; 

 discursive as rambles in the field, and noting but few of tbe many im- 

 portant objects which should receive our attention. 1 cannot hope to 

 have interested all present, but if any have found here or there a sug- 

 gestive thought, or one illustrative of their own ideas as to our aims 

 8nd the method of their accomplishment, it will 1)6 ample recompense 

 to me for the scant hours which I have been able to devote to the most 

 onerous duty of my office. 



