194 MIDLAND UNION OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES. Sept., 1892. 
shall postpone till the Conversazione this evening. The 
captions critic—a species whose habitat is not strictly defined 
—informs me that these combined efforts in the pursuit of 
science are no earthly good. “ You see,” says lie, while he 
catches me by the button-hole, “ the history of great dis¬ 
coveries, and even of gradual progress in knowledge, would 
show that an advance has been effected, not by the combined 
action of the many, but by the persevering labour of the few.” 
Let it be granted. But, notwithstanding all that may be 
said on that side of the question, it is, I think, indisputable 
that combined gatherings like ours do good work. At all 
events, they disseminate an interest in science and popularise 
research. Then, again, they bring able men from various 
quarters to compare the result of their labours and to criticise 
their conclusions. To meet with such men, to breathe the 
same atmosphere with them, to share the same sentiments, 
to enjoy their conversation, and to gain, I hope, some 
information from them to guide and gladden us humble 
workers in the pursuit of truth—these surely are objects which 
the Union of Natural History Societies tends to promote. 
I fear I am taking up too much of your time, and will there¬ 
fore conclude with the expression of my hope that you will 
derive pleasure from the excursions during this meeting, and 
that something may be added to our knowledge of the geology 
and botany of the district. Of one thing I am certain—if we 
are favoured with fine weather—any of us who may not take 
special interest in scientific subjects will be sure to receive 
much pleasure from the scenery through which our excursions 
will take us. The country around has claims upon every 
taste ; it appeals to every constitution of mind. I know of 
no district of which it takes so long to tire. It is full of quiet 
scenery and restful charm, and I defy anybody to find finer 
studies of colour and character, of wood and water, of hill 
and dale, of grey rock and mossy crag, than in this Welsh 
border-land. I trust when you return home you will carry 
away with you pleasant recollections, not only of the places 
you have visited, but also of the persons with whom you 
have come in contact. 
Mr. R. W. Chase, Birmingham, proposed a hearty vote of 
thanks to Mr. Jebb for acting as president.—Mr. W. Wick¬ 
ham King seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr. 
W. B. Grove. 
THE REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 
was then read by Mr. W. Wickham King, as follows :— 
In presenting their Fifteenth Annual Report, your Council 
are glad to be able to refer to the continued success of the 
Union, and to express the hope that there is increasing 
