^50 [Proc. B.N.F.C., 



to science. The Publications of our Club will compare 

 favourably with those of similar societies. The number of 

 members is large and well maintained year by year. While, 

 however, we have a large roll of members, the working 

 members form a very small percentage of the whole — smaller 

 I fear than was the case in earlier days, and is the case in 

 most other clubs. If we are to retain our reputation as a Club 

 and complete the survey and cataloguing of the fauna and 

 flora of the district every effort must be put forth to increase 

 the number of workers in each branch of our studies. 



We must endeavour especially to attract young people and 

 imbue them with a real love of nature so that they may take 

 up and work with energy and zeal some particular branch. In 

 some persons the love of nature is innate, and will shew itself 

 in spite of any hindrances, while others seem born blind to any 

 sense of the world of beauty and interest without. In this 

 connection let me refer to a new departure in the conduct of 

 our meetings which may become a great means of usefulness. 

 I mean the tl Science Gossip " half hour before the meetings. 

 Objects of interest, rare specimens, doubtful species can be 

 shown, names and questions asked, but especially new members 

 can then have the opportunity of becoming acquainted with 

 those who can assist them in the special branch in which they 

 are interested. I hope that this new departure may become 

 one of the most valued and useful functions of the Club. To 

 this end all must be unselfish, willing as the case may be to 

 teach or to be taught. 



In comparing the programmes of our winter meetings with 

 those of kindred socities in England and elsewhere I am struck 

 with one point of difference. We have not in Belfast so many 

 short communications. Brief notes on some new species found 

 in the district and its exhibition or on some fact of interest 

 taking up five minutes each, several of which can be read as 

 well as the chief paper of the evening, are of use in adding to 

 the variety and bringing forward new members, The number 

 of our contributors is too small. 



