BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 
137 
valuable services will be required. The establishment of a Natural 
History Museum, on a scientific basis, would, I feel sure, give a 
great impetus to the study of Natural History, and to the more 
complete knowledge of the fauna, flora, and geology of the district. 
If I could follow the example of many of our distinguished 
former Presidents, I should ask your attention with regard to some 
special subject connected with one or other of the departments of 
Natural History, but my imperfect knowledge of any of these branches 
renders this proceeding quite impracticable. I shall be obliged, 
therefore, to ask your indulgence while I make a few remarks on 
Microscopical matters generally, though, even in this department, 
I am afraid I cannot bring to your notice anything that is new—at 
least, to many of those present. 
Improvements connected with the microscope, and discoveries 
bearing upon the theory of microscopical vision, are being so 
rapidly advanced that without leisure to devote much time to the 
subject, it is impossible to keep level with the times. 
We have a Microscopical Section which meets once a month. 
As far as possible, this evening has been devoted to microscopical 
subjects ; but in the absence of a sufficient supply of suitable 
matter, which is not always forthcoming, the programme has to be 
filled up with other papers, some of which have not the remotest 
connection with the microscope. This, to a great extent, is being 
remedied by the exertions of the energetic secretary, Mr. T. V. 
Hodgson, who has worked very hard to increase the efficiency of 
his Section. 
The Microscopical Sub-Section, which was revived last year, 
has not been as successful as it ought to have been as regards 
the number attending, perhaps owing to the members not being 
able to spare more than one evening in the same week; but if the 
Microscopical Section is to take its proper position in the Society, 
it is very essential that those who intend making microscopical 
study their speciality should take means to render themselves as 
conversant as possible with everything that appertains to the 
management of the microscope. I think you will agree with me 
that to be able to use the instrument to full effect and gain a 
June, 1893. 
