288 
111 June, 1843, Sir Thomas Tancrecl sent out a circular containing 
a proposal for the formation of a club similar to the Berwickshire 
Naturalists’ Club, the earliest cluh of the kind established in this 
country ; and in the course of his remarks he says : 
“ Thus it will be seen that tlie Club is a peripatetic body, the rendez-vous 
being appointed at some village or country town, where a substantial break- 
ast is ready, at about eight o’clock. At this any members within reach 
and so disposed assemble, accompanied occasionally by friends, and after 
breakfast proceed in one or more bodies, as may best suit the objects of each, 
to explore the neighbourhood, some attending to the geology, others to the 
botany, entomology, and other branches of the Natural History of the 
district traversed by them, visiting on the way any fine park, curious 
manufactory, remains of antiquity, or whatever other object of interest the 
walk may produce. Some may be armed with fishing tackle or a gun, or the 
cool stream may invite to a bath. From their several rambles the different 
parties return by a stated hour to a plain dinner, at which it is a rule to 
avoid expense, so that, for instance, the native beverage of the north, 
whisky, is substituted for wine, after dinner. This repast being ended, and 
a few customary toasts drunk, the President calls upon any members who 
may be prepared to read communications, which are discussed, and if of 
sufficient interest are printed in the transactions.” 
On the 7tli July of the same year a few Naturalists met at the 
“Black Horse” on Birdlip Hill, and in the course of a walk 
through Witcomhe Woods, to the Eonian AHlla, and Cooper’s Hill, 
Sir Thomas Tancred “ showed how much enjoyment and in- 
struction might he gained by a simple ramble through beautiful 
scenery, in company with several men who are all more or less 
skilled; but at least, all interested in that glorious study of nature.” 
There were present at this first meeting (besides Sir T. Tancred) 
Mr. Prideaux J. Selby, of Twizell House, Northumberland, Avho 
came to assist at the inauguration of the new Society; Mr. T. 
Barwick Lloyd Baker, of Hardwicke Court ; jMr. J. T. AVay and 
hlr. S. P. AVoodward, Professors at the Koyal Agricultural College ; 
and the Eev. J. Al. Prower, Vicar of Purton. Dr. Daubeny of 
Oxford, and Mr. H. E. Strickland were enrolled as members at 
this first meeting. Thus was established the Cotteswold Naturalists’ 
Field Club, which has continued to do good work over since. 
At its first meeting my father gave an account of the geology of 
the district to be explored by the Club. 
* Sec address to Cotteswold Nat, Field Club, by Mr. Baker, Feb. ICth, 185‘). 
