FIRST QUARTERLY MEETING. DU 
The Chairman, in conclusion, dwelt upon the practical 
advantages likely to accrue from the study of Archaeology 
and Natural History, as well as the moral and intellectual 
improvement always attending such pursuits. 
The Rev. W. R. CroTCcH read a paper, the object of 
which was to encourage a taste for the study of Natural 
History, by mentioning some of the numerous facts to be 
observed by those who enter upon so interesting and varied 
a field of enquiry. 
Dr. WOoODFORDE presented a communication from Mr. 
Baker, of Bridgwater, containing his remarks on the Ornith- 
ology of the county ; amongst which was one to the 
effect that out of 344 species of birds indigenous in this 
island, 233 have been found in Somersetshire. 
Mr. W. D. CrortcH furnished a paper on the Eggs of 
Birds, the result of his own observations in the immediate 
neighbourhood of Taunton. It is given in extenso in the 
second part. 
The Rev. C. P. ParısH followed with a paper advo- 
eating the claims of Botany to rank among sciences of 
practical utility, and at the same time setting forth the 
facilities for following up this pursuit presented by the 
varied soil and surface of Somersetshire. 
Mr. W. BEADON produced a fine fragment of the horns 
of an extinct species of Elk. In excavating at the gas- 
works in the town of Taunton, the workmen had come to 
what seemed to be the ancient bed of the river Tone, and 
upon the gravel they had found the trunk of a tree, under 
which was this specimen. 
The Chairman then adjourned the meeting to the evening. 
