Field and Forest 



DEVOTED TO 



GENERAL NATURAL ILLS TORY. 



Vol. I.— JUNE, 1875.— No. i- 



SALUTATORY. 



The initial number of Field and Forest is hopefully presented in 

 the expectation of aiding the study of the natural sciences, not alone 

 as a record of the Potomac-side Naturalists' Club, but as a representa- 

 tive of similar effort throughout the country. It is an enterprise under- 

 taken by an individual with the cordial endorsement of a local organi- 

 zation, a brief history of which is given by one of its prominent mem- 

 bers in the greeting which we append. 



C. R. D. 



To the Club and its Friends, greeting! 



It is now nearly twenty years since this Club was established to pro- 

 mote informal social intercourse between 'Potomac-side' naturalists, 

 and encourage the study of the Fauna and Flora of the vicinity. The 

 design of the founders of this local society has been fully carried out; 

 and the success which has marked its career shows their wisdom in 

 adopting the simplest plan of operations. Without machinery to get 

 out of order — without even an officer excepting the secretary — the club 

 has pursued its even way, uneventful indeed and certainly unobtrusive, 

 but never without interest for those in sympathy with its objects. 

 • Among its members are enrolled not a few whose names are household 

 words in scientific circles; and to their concerted action during these 

 years is largely due the knowledge acquired of the natural history of 

 the District. The record of the Club, faithfully kept from the begin- 

 ning, is a signal example of what may be done by a few earnest men, 



