186 
BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 
not only gain a more extended publicity, but would be rendered 
more accessible to the general body of the Union if published in 
the “Midland Naturalist.” 
The value of many of the published transactions of Societies 
like ours is very much increased, and their influence rendered 
much more effective, in an educational sense, by being collected in 
some associated form, so as to be of use to those who are engaged 
in similar work. This would save the great loss of time which 
necessarily results from having to search through the scattered 
transactions of kindred Societies. The perusal of some interesting 
observation often leads to a desire to enquire further into the nature 
of it; and in this way many new facts in connection with it are 
brought to light by those who, if they had not had their attention 
called to it, would never, perhaps, have thought of taking up the 
subject. In looking back through the pages of our journal, it is 
astonishing to find how many interesting records are to be found to 
refresh our memory on many points, which, in these stirring times, 
have been either altogether forgotten, or have only left a faint 
impression on our minds. 
One of the greatest drawbacks to the study of Natural History 
in Birmingham is the want of a good Natural History Museum. 
We have an Art Gallery which is a credit to the city, and it seems 
quite incredible that nothing has been done for Natural History. 
As far back as 1881 Professor T. AY. Bridge read a paper before 
the Society on the “ Scope of a Provincial Museum,” in which he 
said it should aim at representing the fauna and flora of the district 
in which it was situated. 
Mr. R. W. Chase, in his Presidential Address in 1887, also 
drew attention to the “ Need of a Local Natural History Museum,” 
and compared this city with many others in the country which 
possessed good museums of the kind. He also made some very 
valuable suggestions as to the manner in which the work should be 
carried out. If the authorities of this city should at any time be 
prevailed upon to provide this very necessary want, the large 
experience of these gentlemen will be found to be of great 
assistance. We hope that the day is not far distant when their 
June, 1898. 
