107 



Our librarj is iaoreasing iMpully. In exchange foi' oar Transac- 

 tions we receive twenty-eight regiihir puolicatioiis, eiglit of which 

 appear monthly. Besides this our free list numbers seventy-three, and 

 of these only twenty-three have not donated something in return. 

 When it is remembered that all are on purely Natural History subjects 

 and all of them modern works, it will be understood what a useful 

 collection we are founding. The librarian is now endeavoring to adopt 

 •some scheme by which they may be circulated that all may l^enetit by 

 "vvhat we possess in common. 



The winter programma, I hope, will meet with your approval ; the 

 y>apers are fewer in number than those of last year, but more time will 

 be alljwed for di-scussion and short notes on any subject. In the after- 

 noon lectures, to be conducted by the leaders of the several branches, 

 we hope to furnish a very thotough coutse of instruction, speciallv 

 adapted for those wishing to gain an insight into any branch, teaching 

 you not only the science, but also how and where to look for the 

 obj-icts you are in search of and how to preserve them, in fact all the 

 information requisite to commence work when the summer arrives. 



The work that our Club has in view is perhaps the most attractive 

 that can be offered to those who have a few spare hours and a desire 

 for some intellectual recreation, and it allows of the consoling f^eflection 

 that the time so spent is in no wise wasted, for besides adding to the 

 range of one's inform^ition, it is also aiding a work of lasting benefit. 

 The world is rapidly learning the value of this knowbdge, and many 

 are awaking to the fact that there are many interesting fields of science 

 hidden behind the veil of ignorance, a veil which is easily drawn aside 

 by a little study or association with those already versed in Natural 

 History. 



Any that 'attend our meetings or join in our excui'sions show their 

 appreciation of this knowledge, and by their presence manifest a fond- 

 ness for nature and a desire to learn something cf its mysteries. Manv, 

 no doubt, wish they were versed in some branch, but fear to commence, 

 they are overawed by the apparent vastness of the subject and the ex- 

 tensive knowledge of those who have made it their study. Instead Of 

 watching the progress of those long experienced, they should look at 

 what theie is to do and select some branch suited to their tastes and 



