38 [Proc. B. N. F. C, 



suggest that all the class members should join the * Club,' and continue their excur- 

 sions at stated periods during the time the classes are closed. By this means a 

 knowledge of the natural objects and rare forms of the district might be obtained, 

 which it would be very difficult for a single person to gain without the assistance of 

 his brother Naturalists. 



Hoping that some of our eminent men of science and influence will take up the 

 subject, and for the sake of those less learned than themselves, set about it in earnest, 

 and not cease till they get formed a 'Field Naturalists' Club'; and if once formed 

 there is little danger of the youths of Belfast being last in the race for fame. 



I remain, sir, yours respectfully, 



A Young Geologist. 



"Sir — I am glad to see your correspondent ' W. T. C calling attention to the 

 want in our town of a Field Naturalists' Club. Belfast surely contains as many ardent 

 students of Natural Science as would maintain efficiently a Club conducted on the plan 

 proposed by your correspondent. Since the formation of the railway lines which 

 radiate from our town, we have easy access to a district second to no other in the 

 United Kingdom for the study of the various branches of Natural Science. The 

 Geologist has choice of many formations of palseozoic, and of secondary rocks rich in 

 fossil remains of the fauna of former epochs. The Conchologist has a magnificent sea 

 coast to explore, and the beautiful diversity of mountain and valley scenery which we 

 possess makes it a delightful occupation to be engaged in making a collection of 

 examples of the flora of our country. We have in Belfast many gentlemen whose 

 scientific attainments reflect honour on our town, and I do hope that some of these 

 gentlemen may be induced to countenance such a Club as your correspondent has 

 sketched. Under their guidance it would be a great success, and would impart a 

 lasting stimulus in our locality to pursuits whose value cannot be over estimated. 



I happen to know that several other parties with whom I am acquainted are 

 anxious for the establishment of some organisation to conduct scientific excursions. 



I am, your obedient Servant, 



S. A. S." 



One of these was the first newspaper communication of a 

 youth just entered upon his apprenticeship, the other the more 

 matured production of one some few years his senior. Both of 

 the writers are still members of the Club, and have, by the 

 favour of their fellow-members, occupied seats upon its Com- 

 mittee from the foundation of the Club until the present day. 

 I may add that in the present year's Committee two more of 

 the original members may be found. None of the three letters 

 I have quoted were fully signed by the writers. The result, 

 however, was that the gentleman who first broached the subject, 



