I^g [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



produce official reports on the food of the most numerous and 

 important of our wild birds on the lines followed by the United 

 States. I am convinced that money spent on this would be repaid 

 many times over to the country, and such work should not be left 

 entirely in the hands of a semi-private committee. Were its 

 importance fully realised by those at the head of affairs, I have 

 little doubt that the money would be forthcoming at once. But 

 until we can induce the Government of the day to view this matter 

 in its proper light, the above-mentioned committee will do all it 

 can to lay the foundation for future official work. When it gets 

 into working order, I know I may rely on the loyal assistance of 

 the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club. 



The Address was formally discussed by N. H. Foster, 

 M.B.O.U., Wm. Gray, M.R.I. A., and W. J. C. Tomlinson, who 

 moved that it be a recommendation to the Committee that the 

 paper be published in extenso. This was carried by acclamation, 

 and, the President having suitably replied, the election of three 

 new members concluded a most successful meeting. 



"COMMON FUNGI — HOW TO COLLECT AND STUDY THEM. 



On the 2 1 st November the Rev. C. H. Waddell gave a 

 Lecture to the Botanical Section in the Club Room on " Our 

 Common Fungi, how to collect and study them." It was pointed 

 out that they are distinguished from other plants in not possessing 

 chlorophyll. Most of them are saprophytes living on decaying 

 substances, some parasites on living plants. The smaller ones — 

 micro-fungi — can be easily preserved, but the larger macro-fungi 

 cannot be preserved for study and should be sketched in water- 

 colours when fresh, and notes made at the time they are collected. 

 There are about 5,000 British species, and the best known family 

 Agaricus is well represented in this country. Very little attention 

 has been paid to these plants in Ireland, workers have been few, 

 and the Irish List might be greatly extended. 



