1887-1888.] 39 



forwarded to the editor of the Whig, for transmission to the 

 writers of the subsequent letters, a request that they would 

 meet him to consider how the project might be carried out. 

 Thus began the courteous and kindly help which the Whig 

 has ever since afforded to the Club, and in which it has been 

 paralleled by its fellow journal the News-Letter, indeed, I may 

 say by all the Belfast press. 



The authors of the three letters met at the house of Mr. W. 

 T. Chew, who had first suggested the formation of the Club, 

 and it was resolved by them to request the aid of Mr. Tate, who 

 had, prior to his coming to Belfast, some experience of the 

 working of similar Clubs in England. He entered into the 

 matter heartily, and drew up the following document : — 



1. "Names of Guarantors to form a Society to be called 

 the ' Belfast Naturalists' Field Club,' for the practical study of 

 Natural History, in all its branches, by 



(a) Holding at least six field meetings in the year. 



(3) By fortnightly (or otherwise) evening meetings for the 

 reading of papers by members ; as far as possible such papers to 

 treat of the Natural History and Archaeology of the district ; 

 further, that these meetings be discontinued during the 

 Summer months. 



2. That the officers of the Club be a President, Vice- 

 President, Treasurer, Secretary, and twelve of a Committee. 



3. That some gentleman eminent in Natural Science be 

 requested to fill the Presidential Chair (otherwise such gentle- 

 men be requested to become patrons of the Club). 



4. That a system of prizes be instituted for local collections 

 and papers. 



5. That the subscription be from 2s. 6d. to 5s. per annum, 

 payable in advance (such subscription to be dependant upon the 

 probable expenses of the Club). 



6. As soon as a sufficient number of members be found, that a 

 deputation wait upon such eminent gentlemen as may be 

 suggested to become President, &c, or Patrons of the Club. 



Further, that an evening be fixed for a public meeting to 

 inaugurate the opening of the Society." 



