1900-1901.] 6 1 1 



Tn i860 Professor Jukes gave a course of lectures on Geology, 

 in Belfast, which were largely attended. This was followed 

 in 1 861, 1862, and 1863 by courses of lectures on Geology, 

 Zoologv, and Botany. I attended the botany classes taught 

 by Ralph Tate, afterwards and still a professor of the subject in 

 Australia. At these lectures I made the acquaintance of our 

 valued friends, Mr. S. A. Stewart and Mr. Wiliam Gray, 

 who from then have been good friends of mine, and who still 

 survive to ride merrily on their hobbies. 



These lectures prepared the way for something permanent, 

 and in 1863 a List of Guarantors was brought before the 

 members of these classes with the object of forming a " Belfast 

 Naturalist's Field Club." It was largely signed ; I find my 

 name among the signatories, of whom 19 survive, and only 9 

 are now members of the Club. A meeting to form the Club 

 was held in March, 1863. Dr. Browne in the chair, it was 

 largely attended by ladies and gentlemen. A great number 

 of names were enrolled, of whom I was among the first. 

 Since the formation I have continued a member, and taken a 

 deep interest in the Club's welfare. I was at the extra first 

 excursion to Colin Glen on the day of the marriage of our 

 present King. A most delightful day, and very much enjoyed. 

 In 1863 I was elected hon. treasurer, in which post I con- 

 tinued until 1869. I was a member of Committee for several 

 years after, until in 1890 I was again elected hon. treasurer, 

 which post 1 still occupy, and this year the Club honoured me 

 by electing me Vice-President. During these 38 years of the 

 Club's existence, I joined in many of the excursions, always 

 keeping my fern hobby well to the front, and adding to my 

 collection and to my knowledge. 



At the request of the secretaries I contributed the following 

 papers to the Club : — 



On March 23, 1865, George C. Hyndman in the chair — 

 " Classification and Distribution of Ferns, with notices of some 

 interesting varieties lately found in the locality." 



