4 
In conclusion, then, on reviewing the meetings, the papers, the 
_ field-days, and the funds, we think that though there is much room 
for improvement,* the Society has good reason to congratulate 
itself on the work of the past year; and if its members continue 
their exertions with equal diligence, we see no reason why it should 
not in future meet with equal success. 
R. OBBARD, 
W. F. WELLS, Lditors. 
T. GAGE GARDINER, 
We may be allowed to transcribe a letter from Mr. Cumming 
to the College Magazine, as shewing the objects with which the 
Society was formed. 
TO THE EDITORS OF THE CHELTENHAM COLLEGE MAGAZINE. 
GENTLEMEN,—I venture to trouble you with a few lines on a subject which 
I think may be of sufficient interest to find a place in your next number. Since 
I have been at the College I have found expressed on several occasions a desire 
for more concerted action and union between those members of the College 
who are interested in the pursuit of Natural History.. This has resulted in an 
attempt at forming a Natural History Society. For this purpose a meeting 
of some masters and boys most interested in the proposal was held on Friday 
evening, the 18th of February, when a committee of boys was elected pro- 
visionally, to consider the means by which the objects of such a society might 
best be effected. 
I think the objects to be kept in view are these :— 
Ist. ‘The holding of periodical meetings for the purpose of reading papers, 
recording notes on observations, exhibiting specimens of interest, and discussing 
freely any questions suggested by such notes or specimens. 
znd. During the summer months joining together for excursions to places 
of interest in the neighbourhood. 
3rd. The circulation among the members of several journals bearing on 
Natural History. 
The questions of forming Public School Collections of specimens, or a 
Natural History Library distinct from the College Library, must be for after 
consideration. The subscription must, of course, be kept low ; and probably 
the number of subscribers at first would not justify us in hoping very rapidly 
to acquire these desirable, though expensive luxuries, 
I am glad to say that the scheme has the hearty sympathy of the Principal, 
and I may perhaps be allowed to say that the pursuits we aim at are just those 
in which masters and boys can most join together with that feeling of unity 
and fellowship which are too apt to be lost in their purely official relation. 
I cannot but think, that in a school like ours, there must be many who would 
sympathise with this movement. I have only to add that I shail be very 
pleased if any sympathisers will communicate with me. 
Iam, yours, &c., 
L. CUMMING. 
* This is especially the case with regard to corresponding members. We should be most 
happy to receive communications from old Cheltonians, for surely among their numbers there 
a ~ some who take an interest in science, and would wish to encourage it in their old 
schoo! 
