7 
information of value for comparison with their o^vu observations, or 
for exchange of intercourse with us, while by their careful accumu- 
lation and registry future naturalists will draw their facts for wdder 
generalization, or mark the gradual changes of flora and fauna of 
our country. Our bag for this year contains some notable contri- 
butions, beyond those I have mentioned, by Mr. Bayfield with his 
“ Mole Cricket, in September,” Mr. Field with the “ Devon Pine 
Fruiting this last year,” besides Mr. Crowfoot’s “ Nests and Eggs," 
and our usual monthly contributions at the meetings of the Society. 
I venture to press on our country Members the interest they have 
in their power to add to our Society, by making, preserving, and 
communicating observations on points of natural history in their 
localities. ISIr. Crowfoot and Mr. Lawrence have shown, in different 
ways, what can be done ; and the ever memorable "White’s History 
of Selborne reveals the easy and attractive method of doing real 
service to science without the pretension or the anxiety of making 
elaborate contributions. 
Our excursions to Horstead, Scoulton, Brooke, and Stoke Holy 
Cross were decided successes, while, if we were a little late for 
Eanworth, the day was a very pleasant one for all of us who were 
there, and let me add that even archaeology in Mr. Bayfield’s, 
Mr. Bayley’s, and ^Lr. Lawrence’s hands, though out of our direct 
line and scope, has given a not unwelcome zest to our trips, if only 
in reminding the student of bird, beast, insect, and creeping thing, 
that the highest study for man is man, whether in his physical or 
mental history. 
Lord Kimberley, on becoming a Member of our Society, expressed 
a hope that we might be of practical use in protecting and preserving 
from destruction the various interesting objects of our studies, to 
which end we would remind his Lordship and other proprietors of 
large estates, that much may be done individually, by peremptory 
orders to their game-keepers to spare the occasional visitants to their 
woods and waters. I would especially call their attention to the 
valuable information as to the food of birds, contained in the report, 
delivered at Exeter this year, of the committee appointed by the 
British Association, at their meeting in this city, to consider the 
practicability of establishing a “ close time ” for the protection of 
indigenous animals. 
"Wo cannot but rejoice at the passing of the “ Sea Birds Preserva- 
