12 
surrounds these theories is removed, for there can be “ no real 
antagonism between science and religion, nor need the religious 
sentiment he banished in the ever advancing tide of physical 
science.” 
On this point a learned professor (Jowett) only a fe^v days since 
observed, “ Forty years ago the antiquity of the earth was as 
much derided as the theory of development is, and twenty years 
ago the antiquity of man was equally derided, yet no one now 
doubts that the earth has existed for millions of years, and man 
for hundreds of thousands. Experience teaches us caution,” we 
must therefore suspend, and not pre-judge the questions as to the 
“ development of mankind,” and the “ survival of the fittest.” 
Pardon this digi'ession. 
As usual, we have to thank Mr. Burcham and Mr. Bayfield for 
exhibiting various botanical specimens. Mr. Burcham has, on tAvo 
or three occasions, given us the treat of a sight of his skilful and 
artistic grouping of rare and beautiful wild floAvers. 
The last contribution read to the Society Avas by myself, on 
Edible Fungi growing in Norfolk. To this paper I need not 
further allude, it having been before your notice so lately. 
The papers Avhich are not embraced in my tripartite arrangement 
of our year’s proceedings are by our Honorary Secretary, Mr. 
Southwell. This gentleman read some notes on The'Water Shrew, 
a dead specimen of Avhich he found, for the first time in Norfolk, 
near St. Bennet’s Abbey, on the occasion of the excursion of the 
Society to that interesting spot. Mr. SouthAvell also exhibited tAvo 
specimens of the oared shreAV, and expressed an opinion that both 
species, if more keenly looked for, Avould prove more common than 
is supposed. 
At the December meeting, Mr. SoutliAvell read a valuable paper 
on The Otter, in which he described its structure and mode of life, 
and gave details of its distribution through the county, entering 
into many interesting, and hut little knoAvn particulars as to its 
mode and time of breeding, and the peculiar nest Avhich it con- 
structs in the flat, SAvampy districts of tliis county. 
1 liavc thus, gentlemen, revicAved the contributions which have 
