INTRODUCTION. 



BY THOMAS W. DALTRY, M.A., F.L.S., HON. SECRETARY. 



THE North Staffordshire Naturalists' Field Club was 

 established in the early part of the year 1865, and it has 

 consequently been in existence ten years. In the first 

 Animal Report its object was stated to be " the practical 

 study of natural history in all its branches and the culti- 

 vation of a fuller knowledge of the antiquities in the 

 neighbourhood." With this view it was laid down in the 

 rules of the club that there should be five or more field 

 meetings during the year in suitable localities, and that 

 evening meetings should be held during the winter months 

 for the exhibition of specimens and the communication and 

 discussion of any subjects connected with the objects of 

 the club. 



At first, the number as well of excursions as of evening 

 meetings fluctuated every year, but as experience was gained 

 in the management and working of the club it was found 

 that the most successful plan was to have seven excursions 

 each season, viz. : one in each month from April to October 

 inclusive (once or twice there has also been a special 

 additional excursion), and four evening meetings held in 

 turn at different towns in the district, the last of which 

 is the annual meeting, by the rules to be held in March, 

 with which the club concludes its year. At this meeting the 

 officers for the ensuing year are appointed and the excursions 

 and evening meetings arranged. 



