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



Competition No. 17. — In competition for this prize Mr. 

 Nevin H. Foster has sent in a collection of Ferns. This 

 collection consists of 10 large sheets, and comprises specimens 

 of 8 species of the local Ferns, and includes a number of good 

 examples of the abnormal forms or sports so much valued by 

 Pteridologists. The fronds are mature, mounted and dis- 

 played at full length, and constitute a very nice series of 

 these plants, and accordingly we award this prize to Mr. 

 Foster. 



(Signed), 



S. A. Stewart, 

 Geo. C. Gough, 

 R. Welch. 



ADDRESS TO THE KING. 



To His Most Gracious Majesty Edward the Seventh, 

 Of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of 

 the British Possessions beyond the Seas, King, Emperor 

 of India. 



May it please Your Majesty, 



We, the President and Committee of the Belfast 

 Naturalists' Field Club, desire on behalf of the Club to offer 

 our most respectful, dutiful, and loyal welcome to the City of 

 Belfast. 



We rejoice that on this occasion your Majesty is accom- 

 panied by Her Majesty the Queen, to whom we also offer 

 our most loyal and hearty welcome. 



Knowing the great interest your Majesty has invariably 

 taken in all branches of scientific research, we feel a pride in 

 being permitted to approach your Majesty, as the Premier 

 Field Club of Ireland and the one with the largest member- 

 ship. Our Club was founded on the 6th of March, 1863 — 

 exactly four days previous to your Majesty's happy marriage 

 — and has contributed in no small degree to the advancement 



