been presented for our consideration and instruction during the 
past year, and although they may be neither so numerous nor so 
important as in previous years, still they constitute in themselves a 
proof of the advantages which accrue to all who belong to such a 
Society as ours, and are thus afforded an opportunity of being 
edified and instructed by interesting and practical papers on natural 
science. 
I am sometimes asked, of what use is the Naturalists’ Society f 
what end does it serve ? what good purpo.se does it fulfil ? I reply, 
that it not only tends to advance science in our midst, and thus 
improves our minds, and adds to our knowledge, but it also enlarges 
our hearts, by bringing us into frequent friendly intercourse ; occu- 
pied, as most of us are, in different callings, our Society mu.st 
necessarily embrace men of varied attainments, and possessing 
knowledge on different subjects, among.st whom a frequent inter- 
change of thought and opinion on matters appertaining to natural 
history must bo productive of good and advantage, not merely to 
themselves, but to the scientific pursuits in which they are severally 
engaged. 
It is to be hoped that our Society also afl’ords the means and 
opportunities for promoting a taste for the study of natural history 
amongst those who have not hitherto cultivated it — likewise it may 
afford pleasure to others who, although not themselves pursuing any 
particular branch of scientific research, may like to spend an evening 
with those who do, or may be induced to join, for the sake of our 
excursions, and the health, exercise, and amusement they afford. 
Of these excursions I will now speak. One of the objects of the 
Society is the investigation of the natural historj- of the district in 
which we live j to this end we devote some part of our time to the 
study of “ nature out-of-doors,” as it has been aptly termed, and 
collect specimens for a closer examination and record at home. 
During the past year the members made four excursions — (1) 
Dritton Decoy; (2) Scoulton; (3) Eanworth Broad; (4) Hem- 
blington, S. AValsham, and St. Bennet’s Abbey. I regret that 
other engagements prevented my attending three out of the four 
excursions. Of the trip to Fritton Decoy, I can say that it was so 
