1911-12] 



5-^5 



other more familiar middens, such as those at Rosapenna, in 

 Donegal, or at Whitepark Bay, in Antrim ; that is to say, they are 

 certainly primitive, and probably pre-historic settlements of man, 

 but that they show remarkable peculiarity in having been occupied 

 ever since. We are of opinion that this curious method of cockle- 

 gathering is a close parallel to the survival of the " bee-hive " hut 

 in the same barony, and of the "maroge" (as the curragh is called) 

 in Corkaguiney, and of " pampooties " in Aran. A considerable 

 discussion followed upon this announcement that at Inch the 

 methods of primitive man are still in regular operation, in which 

 the President, Mr. J. M. Dickson, and the authors took part. 



The second lecture of the evening was called for by the 

 Chairman. This was delivered by Mr. J. A. Sidney Stendall, in 

 which he said — In nature study we aim at seeing, understanding, 

 enjoying, and practically learning from the natural world round 

 about us. The study tends to enlighten the mind, and provides a 

 healthy recreation for those persons whose lives are mostly spent 

 amidst the worries of business. But, says the unenlightened, how 

 am I to learn the right method by which to commence the study 

 of natural objects ? My answer is that it is never too late to 

 learn. In these days persons requiring a little teaching in the 

 ways of nature are adequately provided for. All towns of any 

 standing boast of a Natural History Society. Why not become a 

 member of one of these? You would then be brought into 

 contact with others who are interested in your particular subject, 

 and with those who. having gained knowledge by past experience, 

 are in a position to start you on the right path. Of course the 

 best way is to begin when young, and many societies now make it 

 a special feature of their work to teach young people the rudiments 

 of natural history. 



This Belfast Naturalists' Field Club has recently started a 

 Junior Section, and the Committee have arranged an interesting 

 series of lectures, and hope to organise in the coming Summer 



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