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REPORTS OF COUNCIL 
To December 31st, 1915, and 1916. 
THE effects of the War have made themselves felt in various ways in the 
Society, and the attendance at the meetings has not been maintained 
as in the past, whilst the interesting matters brought forward have not 
been followed by as much animated discussion as they deserved. 
There are now 99 Ordinary and 48 Associate Members, making a total 
of 147 members. The call for special war work has led to resignations, 
which, it is hoped, will be withdrawn in less exciting times. 
In addition, there are 13 Honorary Members, including Arthur 
Vaughan, D.Sc, F.G.S., whom the Society had the pleasure this year 
of electing to that position on his leaving Bristol for Oxford, and in 
recognition of his valuable Geological work communicated to the Society. 
(Died the same year). 
During the year there were 8 meetings at which members gave papers 
on attractive natural history subjects, including one by Professor 
Gamble, F.R.S., of Birmingham University, who visited us specially for 
the purpose. One of the meetings was devoted to the exhibition of 
objects possessing local interest, about which short descriptions were 
given, followed by discussions, and nine members filled up easily a 
successful evening. The summer excursion to Blaize Castle Woods, 
Henbury, in July, attracted a number of members and their friends. 
Attention was called during the year to the scheme of the Selborne 
Society for the protection of rare wild flowers in Britain, and Mr. J. W. 
White was nominated to serve as the local representative on its Com- 
mittee. At another meeting Mr. White reported on some efforts he had 
made with the Bristol authorities to prevent unnecessary injury being 
done to local rarities on our much frequented Downs. 
The Council regret to record the loss by death of two esteemed 
members, Mr. W. B. Waterfall, who was well known for his botanical 
work during the last 30 years, especially on the study of mosses ; and 
Mr. C. Fortey, a Vice-President and an active geological worker during 
his long life. 
The call of War duties has occupied so many members that the work 
of the Society has been purposely kept to routine, and with the object 
of affording occasional change of thought to the lovers of Nature. 
Resignations or death have caused the loss of 21 members, and 
although 14 others have joined, the total now stands at 140, made up of 
94 Ordinary and 46 Associate Members. Considering the present circum- 
stances, the support given to the Society has been loyally maintained. 
In addition, there are 10 Honorary Members, and an arrangement was 
sanctioned for the admission of students of the Bristol University as 
members of the Geological section, and 10 have availed themselves of 
the privilege. 
In a similar way members of our Society were able to benefit by an 
offer made by the Director of the Bristol Museum, Mr. H. Bolton, F.G.S., 
of a gift of duplicate specimens of Lepidoptera. 
During the year there were 8 meetings at which exhibits were shown 
and papers were read, particulars of which are recorded elsewhere in the 
" Proceedings " ; and the summer excursion to Oldbury Court Woods, 
Stapleton, afforded great pleasure to a number of members and their 
friends. 
The Council regrets the loss by death of two Honorary Members, Sir 
William Ramsay, who was a Past-President ; and Professor Silyanus 
Thompson, who contributed numerous papers when living in Bristol ; 
Mr. H. B. Cornaby, a former Member of Council ; and Messrs. G. H. 
Hiley and F. A. Nuell, active supporters of the Society. 
IDA M. ROPER, Acting Hon. Secretary. 
