THE 



ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL. 



Jpril, 1823. 



Art. I. Introductory Address, explanatory of the 

 views of the Zoological Club, delivered at itsfounda- 

 lion J November 29, 1823, bz/ the Chairman , the Rev. 

 William Kirby, M.A. F.R. <^ L.S* 



Gentlemen, 



Before we proceed to business, permit me to address a few 

 words to you, upon what appear to me to be the principal objects 

 of our association, and upon the best methods of carrying them 

 into effect. I see many Gentlemen here present who, from their 

 more extended knowledge of every branch of the science from 

 which we take our name, are much more competent than myself 

 to perform this task to your satisfaction, and upon some one of 

 them I could wish it had devolved : but as your kindness has 

 placed me in this chair, I will endeavour to fulfil this part of my 

 official duty to the best of my abilities. I must previously state, 

 however, that particular circumstances and engagements have un- 

 avoidably prevented my putting my thoughts together till after 

 my arrival in town. They have, in consequence, been arranged 

 more hastily than I could have wished, and without the aid of 

 books. I must therefore solicit your indulgence for any imper- 

 fections of style or matter that may strike you in this address. 



Zoology may be regarded as including several provinces, in 

 every one of which our knowledge is at present very imperfect ; 

 and therefore contributions upon every subject which they in- 



* See Zoological Journal, Vol. I. p. 132. 

 Vol. II. A 



