MEETING OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES. 
191 
short time they would spend among the hills and valleys would 
give them only a very inadequate idea of the treasures concealed 
beneath. He hoped, however, they would be able to reap some benefit 
from their visit. The work done by these Field Clubs was very 
considerable when taken together, but it might be very much more 
than it was. There was a feeling abroad that the interest in Field 
Clubs was declining, but if this were so he hoped that that would soon 
pass away. Certainly on the establishment of clubs of this sort there 
was a great deal of interest shown; but like all new institutions it 
gradually diminished, perhaps to rise again with greater energy. He 
knew there was a great desire among the more eminent scientific men 
belonging to the British Association, who recognised the work done by 
Field Clubs, to attend the general meeting of the clubs, and help to 
stimulate the love for science. He mentioned this because the 
delegates from a distance might perhaps make an effort to keep 
up tiie interest in the different clubs. Before proceeding with his address 
there was one other subject to which he would allude. He thought 
on this occasion, when many eminent men, interested in science, 
from all parts of England are gathered together, they might consider a 
matter which would be not only an honour to the town of Shrewsbury 
itself, but the whole county, and that was some greater recognition of 
Charles Darwin. It was an old saying that a prophet was not so much 
appreciated in his own country as he was elsewhere. He did not 
mean to say that the citizens of Shrewsbury were unmindful of the 
great honour conferred upon them in Darwin being born in the town, 
apd connected with it for many years ; but he did think Darwin was 
not appreciated as he ought to be, and if before the meeting separated 
the members would give an expression of opinion as to whether they 
approved of the suggestion he had ventured to throw out, he thought 
it might be the means of starting a subscription list for the purpose of 
erecting a statue, or adopting some other mode of recognising the life 
of the great and illustrious Darwin. The reverend gentleman out¬ 
lined his presidential address as follows :—I propose, in the address 
which I have the honour to deliver on this occasion, first to recapitu¬ 
late briefly the subjects which have occupied the attention of the 
Naturalist Societies of this Union during the past year; secondly, to 
enumerate the various points of interest which this county and neigh¬ 
bourhood afford ; and lastly, to allude to the labours of Charles Darwin, 
that illustrious man of whose connection with the town of Shrews¬ 
bury, by birth and family, its inhabitants may feel justly proud. 
Canon Butler moved that the thanks of the Meeting be given 
to the President for his admirable address. He announced that 
he had been asked to express, on behalf of the Mayor and Corporation 
of the town, their sense of pleasure at the visit of the Union. 
Mr. II. Wilson seconded the vote, which was unanimously carried. 
The Rev. T. Auden then detailed the proceedings of the Meeting of 
the Council held that morning and explained their report which was 
now presented. At that Meeting Mr. E. de Hamel had been re-elected 
