1 1 



I would gladly join such a Club, and have no doubt that a 

 large number of young people would consider it a great 

 privilege to be connected with it, as it would be calculated to 

 improve and expand the mind, while the excursions would 

 improve the health and strengthen the constitution, enabling 

 the members to attend to their avocations with clearer heads 

 and lighter hearts. Many in Belfast may not be aware of the 

 classes that have been open for the last two years in the 

 Museum here, under the "Department of Science and Art," 

 comprising Botany, Natural History, Geology, Mineralogy, 

 &c. Examinations are held in these classes in April or May, 

 and prizes and medals are awarded by the Government to 

 successful competitors. It is also usual for these classes to 

 have frequent excursions to places of scientific interest for the 

 purpose of making collections of specimens in the different 

 branches they are connected with. 



I think it would be a great advantage to those who wish 

 to join the "Club" to join the above classes, the subscription 

 to which is a mere trifle, as by doing so they would get 

 some knowledge of the different sciences before the weather 

 would be suitable for either botanical or other excursions; 

 and as these classes are not held during the summer months, 

 I would suggest that all the class members should join the 

 "Club," and continue their excursions at stated periods during 

 the time the classes are closed. By this means a knowledge 

 of the natural objects and rare forms of the district might be 

 obtained, which it would be very difficult for a single person 

 to gain without the assistance of his fellow-Naturalists. 



Hoping that some of our eminent men of science and 

 influence will take up the subject, and for the sake of those 

 less learned than themselves set about it in earnest, and not 

 cease until they get formed a "Field Naturalists' Club," and 

 if once formed there is little danger of the youths of Belfast 

 being last in the race for fame. 



I remain, Sir, yours respectfully, 



"A YOUNG GEOLOGIST." 



Sam Stewart's letter was as follows : — 



Sir, — I am glad to see your correspondent "W.T.C." call- 

 ing attention to the want in our town of a Field Naturalists' 

 Club. 



Belfast surely contains as many ardent students of 

 Natural Science as would maintain efficiently a Club con- 

 ducted on the plan proposed by your correspondent. Since 

 the formation of the railway lines which radiate from out 

 town, we have easy access to a district second to no other in 

 the United Kingdom for the study of the various branches 

 of Natural Science. The Geologist has choice of many forma- 

 tions of palaeozoic and of secondary rocks rich in fossil 

 remains of the fauna of former epochs. The ConchGtogist has 

 a magnificent sea coast to explore, and the beautiful diversity 

 of mountains and valley scenery which we possess makes it 

 a delightful occupation to be engaged in making a collection 

 of examples of the flora of our country. 



