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



the meeting for power to approach the Public Library Com- 

 mittee, with a view of ascertaining whether that body would be 

 willing to grant certain special privileges of consultation to 

 members of that Club, should the Club present to the Public 

 Library the whole of the books before-mentioned. Mr. Lock- 

 wood moved that the proposal to transfer the Club's books to 

 the Free Public Library, subject to the conditions set forth in 

 a draft letter, which he read, be approved. The President 

 opened a discussion on the suggestion, strongly advocating the 

 proposed transfer, which, he said, would confer benefit both on 

 the Club and on the Public Library. Mr. W. Swanston, 

 F.G.S., Librarian to the Club, further explained the circum- 

 stances at present attending the Club's property, and seconded 

 Mr. Lockwood's resolution. Mr. Alexander Tate, C.E., while 

 favouring the proposed transfer, cautioned the Club against 

 acting too hastily in the matter ; property given away could not 

 be regained. Messrs. Joseph Wright, F.G.S.; W. Nicholl, G. 

 H. Elliot, and H. M'Cleery having also spoken, the motion 

 authorising the Committee to proceed in the matter was put to 

 the meeting, and was carried nem. con. 



The next business was the consideration of a suggestion to 

 form a joint section of the Field Club and Natural History and 

 Philosophical Society, for the prosecution and encouragement of 

 microscopical work. The subject was introduced by Mr. R. Lloyd 

 Praeger, B.E., Junior Secretary, who stated that the suggestion 

 made through the local Press some time ago to form a microsco- 

 pical society in Belfast had led to a promise by the President 

 and Secretaries that the question of furthering microscopical 

 work by the Club's agency should be brought before the Com- 

 mittee. This had been duly done ; and, a suggestion having been 

 made that the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society 

 might co-operate with the Club in the formation of a joint section 

 devoted to microscopical work, a joint sub-committee represent- 

 ing both societies was appointed, and had now presented their 

 report, which approved the formation of a joint section on the basis 

 of a draft constitution which they submitted, Having arrived 



