ORGANIZATION OF A NATURALISTS' CLUB. 51 



and the consequent rivalry set on foot by, the dangerous practice of edi- 

 ble entertainment at all the meetings, its predecessor, the Potomac Club, 

 had come to an untimely end. „ 



There are always two or three persons in a village interested in scien- 

 tific matters who can tell a good deal, if they choose, about the natural 

 history of the neighborhood. Let these get together, invite such friends 

 as they think likely to come, and spend an evening in talking over the 

 geology and antiquities, and the habits of the birds, beasts, insects, and 

 plants of the vicinity. 



After this neighborly beginning is achieved, even though there may 

 be few mutual acquaintances in the room, young naturalists, or would-be 

 naturalists, will find little difficulty in conversing on the topic that has 

 brought them together. The humanizing influence of natural science is 

 great ; and because of this, no doubt, arises the good feeling which all 

 true naturalists possess when in each other's company. I believe, also, 

 that nothing in the world will preserve youth, in spite of advancing years, 

 like this study and companionship with ever-rejuvenate nature. 



Having decided that your circle will be able to come together regu- 

 larly, it is well to introduce some little formality in order that time shall 

 not be wasted. " As in races," said Bacon, " it is not the large stride or 

 high lift that makes speed ; so in business, the keeping close to the mat- 

 ter, and not taking of it too much at once, procureth despatch." 



But this formality need go hardly farther than the choice of a chair- 

 man, whose care it shall be to find at least one member who shall suggest 

 the leading topic for attention that evening, by reading a short paper — 

 so far as possible one of original observation, very practical, and expressed 

 in the simplest phraseology. It is a good thing to let this topic be known 

 to the members somewhat in advance, if possible. 



The discussion which follows will be likely to bring out many facts 

 which, trivial in themselves, are of value as necessary links in the chain 

 of information. The chairman shonld also be expected to insist that 

 no speaker be interrupted while he is talking. This, however small and 

 ungracious a matter it may seem, has proved to be an important rule in 

 such clubs. But do not attempt the strictness of parliamentary usage. 

 I know of two flourishing societies — yes, three — where all the members 

 o-et out their pipes as soon as the papers begin to be read. 



This suggests a momentary digression. Of course the smokers just 

 alluded to were sitting in the absence of ladies, who do not often belong 

 to the Academies; but in the local clubs I have in mind there is no 

 reason why they should not be present, and active members — every reason 



