Clifton, March, 1862. 
Dear Sir, 
A desire having been expressed by many gentlemen in our 
City and its vicinity, interested in the pursuit of Natural History, 
Geology, and the allied sciences, that a Society should be formed 
on principles similar to those so successfully carried out at Wor- 
cester, Malvern, Liverpool, and other towns ; we have ventured 
to take some preliminary steps towards its accomplishment. 
Our own neighbourhood affording as it does so great a 
scojie to the Natural Historian, and so wide a field to the 
Geologist, is admirably suited for the operation of such a 
Society, and renders it equally desirable for the social and 
scientific interests of the citizens of Bristol. We are anxious to 
restore to Bristol the prestige it once possessed in this respect, 
and invite you to join the Society, and give it your assistance 
and support, in full confidence that it will be to our mutual 
advantage. 
A slight sketch of the proposed basis of operations is 
given on the other side. Requesting the favor of an early 
reply, 
We remain, dear Sir, 
Very truly yours, 
Stephen Barton 
John Beddoe, m. d, 
W. J. Fedden 
Henry E. Fripp, m. d. 
C. T. Hudson 
Provisional 
Committee. 
Adolph Leipner 
Provisional Honorary Secretary, 
22, Upper Park Street, Clifton. 
