2 
PROCEEDINGS COTTESWOLD CLUB 
1915 
excursions, and we shall miss him greatly. He was a favourable 
example of the rapidly disappearing type of the old-fashioned 
country doctor, ripe in medical wisdom and experience, whose 
buoyant and inspiring presence inspired desponding patients 
with new life, and soothed the pillows of those whose days 
were numbered. 
It gave me much pleasure to accept your flattering invita- 
tion to fill the presidential chair of the premier provincial 
Field Club, especially because this has brought it once more 
into touch with the Royal Agricultural College, which had 
much to do with its inception so many years ago. Unusual 
pressure of both civil and military duties has precluded me 
from attending all the meetings, but my friend and predecessor, 
Rev. W. Butt, has more than made up for my shortcomings. 
W^hen able to be present I greatly appreciated the honour, and 
have been much impressed by the enthusiasm and devotion 
shown by Members to the old-established association that 
serves as a link of genuine brotherhood. 
The Club is much indebted to Mr C. 0 . Hanson, of the 
Crown School of Forestry, for his able guidance on the oc- 
casion of our visit to the Forest of Dean ; to Sir George Holford 
for the facilities he so readily afforded us at Westonbirt, when 
Mr David Lindsay acted as a courteous intermediary ; to Earl 
Bathurst, Mr Robert Anderson, Captain Gordon Dugdale, 
and Mr Edward C. vSewell, who made our day at Cirencester 
rich in interest ; and to Mr A. J. Morton Ball, whose hospitalit}" 
at Stroud was much appreciated. 
Full details of the Excursions made during 1914 will be 
published in the “ Proceedings,” which will appear in the 
course of the next few weeks. It may be permitted me to 
pay a personal tribute on your behalf to all those who have 
co-operated to make the publications of the Club of general 
interest and permanent scientific value. We are particularly 
indebted to the strenuous and successful labours of Mr Richard- 
son, aided by Mr E. T. Paris, to whom we have a competent 
and valued successor in Mr Walter Butt. 
THE FUNCTIONS OF A NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB. 
Many years ago my revered teacher and master, the late 
Professor Huxley, chose this subject as the theme of an address 
