326 PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 
with respect to the mode and spirit in which natural history 
should be pursued. To search out nature’s treasures in the woods 
and fields is a rational, a healthful, and a pleasant pursuit, but 
the naturalist who confines himself to the collecting and naming 
of specimens only, losed one half the pleasure and instruction 
which it is calculated to impart. The works of nature can never 
be rightly understood without an examination of the structure of 
the plants and animals he collects. Their habits, their uses, and 
the beautiful adaptation of their organs to the functions they have 
to perform, afford a highly interesting enquiry, and, if the micros- 
cope be used, a still more wonderful and elaborate organization 
is revealed, extending even beyond the limits which our instru- 
ments can reach. In this way only can we truly appreciate the 
works of nature, and perceive how infinitely they surpass the rude 
efforts of human skill. Nor need we go far for examples, for 
rarity is not an element in this investigation ; 
*‘ Not a tree, 
A plant, a leaf, a blossom, but contains 
A folio volume. We may read, and read, 
And read again, and still find something new, 
Something to please and something to instruct, 
E’en in the noisome weed.’’ 
Messrs. Hardy and Bold presented the second part of their 
valuable ‘Catalogue of the Insects of Northumberland and 
Durham.’ 
Mr. John Hare, Newcastle; Mr. EH. C. Robson, and Mr. Joseph 
Spence, Sunderland ; Mr. George Armstrong, Fawdon ; the Rev. 
George Hunt Smyttan, Charlton Hall, Eglingham ; and the Rev. 
J. B. Leefe, Cresswell, were elected members. 
The days and places for the Field Meetings were fixed as 
under :— 
17 ie) Raa cpap oes ccron ora Stanley Burn. 
VA Tiere Se naa seein Staward Peel. 
ic HM orecanocddouodhs soodnwe Northumberland Lakes. 
PAO HNO). GaereRoannebacoo soon Holy Island. 
16th Arigust ee a Te Fourstones and Wark. 
Qt Sepre bers Wess cas seerseee Hartlepool. 
