4 
which they are most competent. These results are already in 
the possession of the earlier members ; but it is considered that 
the time has now arrived when they should be given to those more 
recently elected, and to the general public. 
In the treatment of the various subjects, conciseness has been 
the aim throughout; but the several compilers have arranged their 
matter in such manner as was considered by each the most suit- 
able for the elucidation of his subject with brevity. Whatever 
opinions may be formed as to the style or method of these papers, 
it is certain that they furnish the fullest, most authentic, and most 
recent information respecting their different departments. 
In issuing this, the first volume prepared in accordance with 
the plan of 1870, it is earnestly hoped that it may not only prove 
useful to such as are commencing to investigate, but that it may 
stimulate to further exertion those who have been long engaged in 
the work. Several branches of local Natural History remain still 
untouched, and much of our Archaeology requires further 
elucidation ; and for these purposes additional workers are 
wanted, and will doubtless be forthcoming. Many volumes such 
as this are required before the plan can be said to be complete, 
and it may reasonably be hoped that they will follow in due time. 
With a more ripened experience on the part of the Club, and 
a succession of compilers equally painstaking, but having still 
more extended knowledge, it may be anticipated that the present 
will be surpassed by future volumes of the series. 
WILLIAM SWANSTON, F.G.S., 
F. W. LOCKWOOD, 
| Hon. Secs. 
Belfast, November , 1886. 
