FIELD MEETINGS FOR 1909 1 97 



Numerically the attendence at the meetings leaves some- 

 thing to be desired, and enthusiasm is somewhat confined to 

 the older members. This is to be regretted, the more so that 

 school and college life afford the younger members that 

 opportunity of systematic training, the lack of which their 

 elders deplore ; yet it is to them that the Society must look 

 for the development and carrying on of outdoor and indoor 

 work in future years. 



The existence of several field clubs is evidence of the love 

 of outdoor work in the county of Durham, but there appears 

 to be less interest shown in Northumberland. The work is 

 undertaken chiefly by those living in the busy centres of 

 Tyneside, whose opportunities and field of observation are 

 limited, and one would like to see more interest and activity 

 in the country districts where the work would be less inter- 

 mittent and therefore of greater value. 



Though not much new perhaps has been discovered during 

 the past season, it is well to quarter old ground and compare 

 the results with those of other years. A fair share of success 

 may be claimed this season. Reference has already been 

 made to those who, possessing special knowledge, willingly 

 gave their help ; to those our grateful thanks are due, as well 

 as to Mr. Richard Adamson and Mr. Edward Potts, the joint 

 secretaries, who carried out the excellent arrangements of the 

 meetings. 



In conclusion I sincerely thank you all for your pleasant 

 and helpful companionship, and for the kind indulgence you 

 have shown to my shortcomings during the year you have 

 been good enough to allow me to occupy the honourable 

 position of Field President. 



It may not be out of place here to mention that the year 

 1909 marked the centenary of the birth of Charles Darwin, to 

 whom not only Britain but the whole world owes so much as 

 a naturalist and a thinker ; coincidently it was also the 



