50 UTILIZING AMATEUR NATURALISTS. 



est in the productions and processes of nature, and are accustomed to use 

 their eyes, have never had the opportunity or the habit of making natural 

 history a practical study. They may not be willing to devote time to, 

 or have learned enough to understand, technical books ; or may not be 

 able to buy them, since unfortunately it is rare that books of this kind 

 are both cheap and good. Moreover, while many would be pleased to 

 know the general facts of zoology and botany, they do not propose to 

 become special students; just as a man may have a good ear for melody, 

 and take delight in hearing singing or an instrumental performance, with- 

 out any strong desire to pursue a scientific training in music. 



The influence of such persons ought not to be lost to the cause of 

 natural science, nor ought they to be deprived of the charm and benefit 

 of its study ; and there is a method by which they may not only add to 

 the knowledge now possessed, but make themselves more ready and in- 

 telligent observers during subsequent out-door seasons. The latter would 

 be the more positive gain of the two, for the faculty of observation is an 

 acquired capital which is sure to return a large interest. The method 

 to which I allude is the formation of natural history clubs, which, even 

 when most informally conducted, will serve an excellent purpose in vil- 

 lage society. 



In many towns scientific associations already exist, but perhaps have 

 been neglected altogether, or else allowed to fall into the hands of a few 

 unprogressive persons, who, by monopolizing them, have destroyed the 

 vitality. Revive these organizations if they are worth it, and guard 

 against undue profundity in one or two members, particularly if they are 

 inclined to be talkative. This kind of a man discourages the younger, 

 timid, and more humble-minded ones, who nevertheless might have very 

 suggestive facts to offer if they were not awed into silence. I have in 

 mind one of the most influential societies of this kind in the United 

 States, whose rule for several years after organization was, that no pro- 

 fessional naturalist or elderly man should be admitted. After a time, 

 when all the youngsters had learned confidence in themselves, and by 

 good work had confirmed the respect of their elders, the wise-heads were 

 let in, and were very thankful for the privilege. 



"The cups that cheer but not inebriate" 



are a great help to break the ice of such a first meeting, which needs to 

 be freed, once for all, from a feeling of chill dignity. In such a pleas- 

 ant parlor-chatting, cakes-and-ale way, was the powerful Biological So- 

 ciety of Washington set on foot in 1881 ; but through a continuance of, 



