6 CROMPTON— History of Ornithology in South Australia. 



footsteps, Messrs. J. W. Mellor, Edwin Ashby, and M. Symonda 

 Clark began using the growing museum collection, they dis- 

 cussed ornithological matters with Mr. Zietz, and from time 

 to time gave to, and exchanged specimens with him. About 

 the year 1898, Mr. Zietz proposed the formation of a bird club 

 in Adelaide and with this idea in view, spoke to several of his 

 friends. The scheme was cordially supported and a meeting 

 was held to consider the advisability of forming an association. 

 It was at first suggested to form a branch of the Royal Society, 

 but on second consideration this was thought to be inadvisable, 

 as this science was of no interest to most of its members, and 

 to be of any use the members must be trained systematic orni 

 thologists. 



The inaugural meeting was held at Dr. A. M. Morgan's resi- 

 dence, 27 Angas Street, Adelaide, on March 17th, 1899. Those 

 present were Dr. Morgan, Messrs. A. H. C. Zietz, J. W. Mellor, 

 P. R. Zietz, E. Ashby, M. S. Clark. Dr. Morgan was voted to 

 the chair. It was resolved that a Society to be called the 

 South Australian Ornithological Association be formed. It 

 was also resolved that Dr. Morgan and Messrs. Zietz and Mel 

 lor act as a committee to frame and draft rules for this associa 

 tion. 



The meeting was then adjourned till March 27th, when Dr. 

 Morgan was elected the first President and Mr. J. W. Mellor, 

 was elected Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, which office he con- 

 tinued to hold for 14 years with the exception of one year when 

 he occupied the presidential chair. 



The following rules were then adopted. 



1. That this Association be called the "South Australian Orni 



thological Association." 



2. The objects of this Association shall be the study, and re- 



cording of the habits, and econonry, and identification 

 and protection of Australian birds. 



3. This Association shall be controlled by a Committee, called 



the Committee of Management, which shall consist of 

 the President, Vice-President, and Secretary of the 

 Association. 



4. This Association shall meet on the first Friday of each alter- 



nate month. 



5. The Committee of Management may arrange other meetings 



or excursions, due notice of which must be given to the 

 members. 



