191617.] 



267 



done during the past year surpassing that of previous years, and 

 the interest taken by the young members greatly increased. 

 Before the reduction of age took place the presence of older 

 members tended to retard the enthusiasm of the younger, for 

 whom the meetings were intended, and now the boys and girls 

 appear to work more freely and assume a more confident attitude. 

 The membership has steadily increased, and the attendances at 

 both Winter and Summer meetings have been good. 



On the 31st March, 1916, the membership stood at 32, but 

 was automatically decreased by the change in constitution already 

 mentioned to 10. Twenty new members have been elected since, 

 giving a total of 30 on 31st March, 19 17. Of these 4 are now 

 transferred to the newly formed Associate Section (ages 17 to 21 

 years), leaving a net total of 26 to commence the new session. 

 The Summer Excursions were as follows : — 

 1916. 



10th June ... River Lagan. 



24th June ... Holy wood Moss. 



22nd July ... Windy Gap, Black Mountain. 



5th Aug. ... Carr's Glen. 



26th Aug. ... Botanic Gardens. 



9th Sept. ... Ligoniel to Glengormley. 



Average attendance at these excursions, 10. 

 The Winter meetings were so arranged as to give a wide 

 range of subjects, and were as follows : — 



1916. 

 9th November — "An Introduction to Nature Knowledge," by Mr. A. Deane. 

 30th November— " The Life of a Fern," by Miss M. W. Rea. 

 14th December — "Growth of the Alphabet," by Mr. A. M'l. Cleland. 



1917. 

 nth January — "Plants which feed on Animals," by Mr. G. H. Oliver. 

 1st February — " Pond Life," by Mr. J. Maxwell, J. P. 

 22nd February — "Common Objects of the Sea-Shore," by Mr. R. J. Carpenter, 



A.R.C.S. (Lond.). 

 22nd March— "What to look for in a Quarry," by Mr. S. A. Bennett, B.A., 



B.Sc. 

 29th March—" Mammals of Ireland," by Mr. J. A. S. Stendall. 



