6 
PROCEEDLN’GS COTTESWOLD CLUB 
1915 
evolutionary theory. He can investigate the variations in 
single recent or fossil species : he can repeat and amplify the 
classical work of Mendel, who was essentially a Field Naturalist, 
though his duties were those falling to the abbot of a 
Moravian monastery. Nevertheless, his observations and de- 
ductions, rediscovered less than two decades since, startled the 
biological world, and have led to the foundation of an im- 
portant biological school, by which new and useful varieties of 
plants have been produced in no haphazard fashion. , 
Lastly, in my opinion, our Members can, and ought, to 
hnd scope for their efforts, as some of them do, in helping on 
the development of our county educational system in so far as 
natural knowledge is concerned. It has been my good fortune 
to come into close contact with many of the primary, secondary, 
and technical teachers of this area with reference, more par- 
ticularly, to nature study, and my views thereon are set forth 
for the guidance of teachers in a little book named “ The 
Pursuit of Natural Knowledge,” which my friend Mr John 
Sawyer has recently published. The vast majority of these 
teachers keenly appreciate the value and importance of nature 
study as an educational instrument of high order, but many of 
them lack precisely the knowledge that we possess, and which 
I am sure we are all willing and anxious to impart. 
Permit me, in concluding my address, to express very 
hearty good wishes for the continued and increased prosperity 
of this good old Club, founded so many years ago in the old 
grey town on the Cotteswold Hills, and now finding its appro- 
priate home in the county centre. And to the everlasting 
benefit of human happiness and human progress, may over- 
whelming and final victory crown the arms of the Allies long 
before the time comes for another presidential address. 
At the close of the address the President vacated the chair to enable 
the Rev. H. H. Winwood, the senior Vice-President, to nominate him for 
another year of office, and at the same time to congratulate him on his able 
effort. The address, said Mr Winwood, was admirable in every way. 
The Rev. Walter Butt seconded the nomination, and said that in the 
past they had listened to many addresses — some learned, and some (speaking 
for himself) foolish (laughter) ; but he questioned whether a more helpful 
address had ever been given than the one to which they had just listened 
(hear, hear). It was calculated to help every one of them in endeavouring 
to cultivate a greater love for Nature and for all such a study could help 
them to. 
