1887-1888.] 37 



Naturalists, but the papers and topics read and discussed are in most cases too abstruse 

 and scientific for the young Naturalist to comprehend or appreciate, and also the 

 subscription is beyond his means. Therefore what is wanted is a Society which will 

 elucidate Natural History in a popular and pleasing manner to the young Naturalist, 

 and the subscription of which will come within the bounds of his pocket — say five 

 shillings — which is the subscription generally established in all the English Clubs. 



The study of nature must always refresh the enquiring mind, and every branch 

 of Natural History, whether it be the study of plants, insects, or that of birds and 

 animals, shells, minerals, fossils, &c, has in this district wide fields for the zealous 

 student to explore. Now that nature is just awakening from her Winter sleep, it is 

 therefore a very suitable time to commence to study her. I hope, therefore, that the 

 formation of such a Society will at once be taken up, and also that the eminent 

 Naturalists of our present Society will come forward and further its promotion. 



I remain, your obedient Servant, 



W. T. C. 

 Belfast, January 26, 1863." 



The author was a young gentleman, who though unconnected 

 with any of our local Societies, or with the Science Classes to 

 which I have referred, had for some time devoted his attention 

 to the entomology of the district. In the course of a few days 

 the following letters appeared in reply to that which I have 

 just read : — 



u Sir — I was much pleased on reading your paper of the 27th inst. with the 

 excellent suggestions thrown out by your correspondent, ' W. T. C.,' respecting the 

 formation of a Field Naturalists' Club in Belfast. 



I would gladly join such a Club, and have no doubt that a large number of young 

 people would consider it a great privilege to be connected with it, as it would be 

 calculated to improve and expand the mind, while the excursions would improve the 

 health and strengthen the constitution, enabling the members to attend to their other 

 arocations with clearer heads and lighter hearts. 



Many in Belfast may not be aware of the classes that have been open for the last 

 two years in the Museum here, under the "Department of Science and Art," com- 

 prising Botany, Natural History, Geology, Mineralogy, &c. Examinations are held in 

 these classes in April or May, and prizes and medals are awarded by the Government 

 to the successful competitors. It is also usual for these classes to have frequent 

 excursions to places of scientific interest for the purpose of making collections of 

 specimens in the different branches they are connected with. I think it would be a 

 great advantage to those who wish to join the ' Club ' to join the above classes, the 

 subscription to which is a mere trifle, as by doing so they would get some knowledge 

 of the different sciences before the weather would be suitable for either botanical or 

 other excursions j and as these classes are not held during the Summer months, I would 



