BRITISH MUSEUM 
(NATURAL HISTORY) 
24 SEP 1985 
_ PRESENTED 
RErUR?. 
NTENDED originally for a private club to promote scientific 
inquiry, and almost immediately developing into an institution 
of our school, the Natural History Society has, during this the first 
year of its existence, met with decided success. It is satisfactory 
to note that its prospects have from the very first been steadily 
improving, notwithstanding the discouragements which frequently 
attend a young society. 
The Scientific Meetings have been fewer than might have been 
desired. This was occasioned by the delays incidental to the 
formation of a new society, and by the unavoidable resignation at 
Midsummer of our former energetic secretary. Nevertheless, they 
have been well attended ; the numbers present being encouraging, 
and the papers interesting and instructive, though at times wanting 
in originality. Originality, therefore, has been chiefly regarded in 
selecting papers for publication: in two cases, however, this rule 
has not been followed. 
In other school societies masters are often inclined to take an 
over prominent part. This difficulty, however, has not been ex- 
perienced by us. On the contrary, we cannot but think that our 
interests would be promoted, should the masters favour us with 
more communications. 
The field-days, combining as they do amusement with work, are 
highly beneficial, and have Jargely contributed to the working of 
the various sections. 
These can here only be shortly mentioned ; all details being 
inserted later on the authority of the several committees. 
Botany.—Decidedly well worked. Best point of the Society. 
Entomology.—Also well worked. Sadly deficient in Coleoptera. 
Zoology.—Practically reduced to Ornithology. So far, so good. 
Geology.—Little attempted, less done. 
To encourage the working of this last section, which is at present 
altogether unsatisfactory, the Council have resolved to offer a prize, 
value £1 10s., for the best original collection of local fossils. 
Our funds are in a fairly flourishing condition, as will be seen 
from the account annexed ; but due attention must be paid to the 
fact that out of this sum the expenses of printing this report have 
to be defrayed. 
