10 



Clubs of this kind are now quite common in England, the 

 most prosperous being in Manchester and! Liverpool, each 

 having from between six hundred to seven hundred members; 

 and one of the chief causes, as stated in the report, of their 

 great rise and popularity, is the admission of lady members, 

 whose presence doubles the enjoyment both of rural rambles 

 and scientific investigation. 



We have a Natural History and Philosophical Society, 

 which supplies a want for our older and more enlightened 

 Naturalists, but the papers and topics read and discussed are 

 in most cases too abstruse and scientific for the young 

 Naturalist to comprehend or appreciate, and also the sub- 

 scription is beyond his means. Therefore, what is wanted is a 

 Society which will elucidate Natural History in a popular and 

 pleasing manner to the young Naturalist, and the subscription 

 of which will come within the bounds of his pocket — say 5/- 

 — which is the subscription generally established in all 

 the English" Clubs. 



The study of nature must always refresh the enquiring 

 mind, and every branch of Natural History, whether it be the 

 study of plants, insects, or that of birds and animals, shells, 

 minerals, fossils, &c, has in this district wide fields for the 

 zealous student to explore. Now that nature is just awaken- 

 ing from her winter sleep it is therefore a very suitable time 

 to commence to study her. I hope, therefore, that the 

 formation of such a Society will at once be "taken up," and 

 also that the eminent Naturalists of our present Society will 

 come forward and further its promotion. 



I remain, your obedient Servant, 

 Belfast, Jan. 26, 1863. W. T. C, 



Stewart, Donaldson, Robinson and their friends 

 did not know what to make of this. They thought that 

 they had a sort of little Naturalists' Field Club in their 

 own way, but here was something- which might lead to 

 a bigger thing than they had contemplated. They 

 me t — probably in Stewart's shop in North Street — and 

 discussed the matter, and Stewart and Robinson were 

 deputed to follow up W.T.C.'s letter, which they did, 

 their letters appearing in the "Whig" of Monday, 

 February 2nd. 



Robinson's letter reads : — 



FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB. 

 Sir, — I was much pleased on reading your paper of 27th 

 inst, with the excellent suggestions thrown out by your 

 correspondent, "W.T.C.," respecting the formation of a Field 

 Naturalists' Club in Belfast. 



