Hi REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 



by a comparatively inexperienced staff, there is much of a 

 progressive character which will now be pushed forward under 

 his technical direction. 



A great loss to natural history — not only locally but in a 

 wider sphere, where his work on marine zoology, and especially 

 Crustacea, was. well-known and appreciated — was felt in the 

 death of the Rev. Canon Norman. An obituary account of 

 his life and work by Professor Meek will appear in the next 

 volume of Transactions. Another gifted naturalist, Mr. 

 Frederic Raine, who, like Canon Norman, was an honorary 

 member of the Society, has been lost by death during the 

 year. Mr. Raine was hardly known to the present generation 

 of local naturalists, because he was compelled by ill-health to 

 remove many years ago to the south of France. Previously, 

 when he lived at Durham, his zeal as a field naturalist, 

 collector and taxidermist brought him into close association 

 with all the leading members of the Society who shared his 

 tastes. A remarkable perfection of workmanship and finish 

 characterised all that he did; it is strikingly shown in the very 

 valuable collections with which he enriched the Museum. 

 These include collections of British birds' eggs and British 

 butterflies and moths, as well as of the butterflies and flowering 

 plants of the French Riviera. Of other members who have 

 passed away may be mentioned Mrs. Spence Watson, the 

 literary and social work of whose husband brightened New- 

 castle life ; Lord Barnard, whose interest in museum work 

 left its mark ; Dr. Clement Stephenson, who devoted much time 

 to the breeding and improvement of cattle; Mr. Richard 

 Welford, local historian ; and others, the loss of whom leaves 

 the district poorer. 



The roll of members remains almost the same at the end of 

 Ccach year. New members join the Society but death and 

 resignation prevent any permanent increase in numbers. 

 During the year under review 13 valued members have passed 

 away, 6 have resigned, and 24 members and associates have 

 been elected. The membership stands at 396. 



