2 FIELD AND FOREST. 



working quietly, harmoniously and persistently, hampered by no re- 

 strictions, and as free from pecuniary embarrassments as from the re- 

 sponsibility of pecuniary resources. 



With temporary interruption during the late political troubles, the 

 Club has met regularly during a portion of each year since 1856, to de- 

 vote an evening to the reading of papers, the exhibition of specimens, 

 and the interchange of opinion. Until recently, the meetings were 

 held at the residences of the members in turn, and the host of one even- 

 ing became the chairman of the next. Though this plan had its ad- 

 vantages, it was attended with some inconvenience, and the want of a 

 fixed place of meeting became more evident upon the recent large 

 accession of new members. 



Through the exertions of the present Secretary, and the liberal action 

 of the Trustees of the Franklin School, the Club has at length a 'local 

 habitation' free of expense; the nucleus of a collection to illustrate the 

 natural history of the District has been established; and now an ener- 

 getic fellow-member proposes that the Club shall no longer hide its 

 light under a bushel. It cannot be denied, that hitherto the benefit of 

 this association of naturalists has not extended beyond its own circle; 

 but the necessity of such restriction no longer exists. Mr. Dodge is 

 prepared to take upon himself the responsibilities of publication, pure- 

 ly as a labor of love, without expectation or desire of reward other 

 than co-operation and support. As this undertaking, if successful, can- 

 not but increase the usefulness of the Club, we cordially commend it to 

 the goodwill of all interested in its objects. We are encouraged to 

 hope for all that the editor may desire, by the recollection that in sci- 

 entific literature some of the most sturdy oaks have sprung from acorns 

 like this one. The Club has long represented the ^<?/^ and forest of 

 this vicinity, and it is fitting that it should come to be itself represent- 

 by "Field and Forest." 



Elliott Coues. 



The "buffalo gnat," an insect often fatal in its attacks on domestic 

 animals, has been unusually destructive this spring to horses and mules 

 in the Southwest, Tennessee especially. In one county the loss is esti- 

 mated at ^500,000, 



