194 
MEETING OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES. 
Natural History work, and for mutual help of the members, 
should be adhered to as strictly as possible, and that the 
social element, which is so apt to overpower the scientific, 
should be kept in its right (subordinate) place. 
Several members spoke on the topics touched upon by the 
President, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him 
for his address. 
The report from the Council was then read, as follows:— 
Societies in the Union. 
One Society, that by whose invitation we are holding the present 
Meeting, has joined the Union during the year, and the list of the 
Societies now composing it will be as follows:— 
Birmingham Microscopists’ and Naturalists’ Union. 
Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society. 
Birmingham Philosophical Society. 
Birmingham and Midland Institute Scientific Society. 
Birmingham School Natural History Society. 
Caradoc Field Club. 
Dudley and Midland Geological and Scientific Society and Field 
Club. 
Evesham Field Naturalists’ Club. 
Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society. 
Malvern Field Club. 
Northamptonshire Natural History Society. 
Nottingham Working Men’s Naturalists’ Society. 
Oswestry and Welshpool Naturalists’ Field Club. 
Peterborough Natural History and Scientific Society. 
Rugby School Natural History Society. 
Severn Valley Naturalists’ Field Club. 
Tam worth Natural History, Geological, and Antiquarian Society. 
The Council, however, regrets to report that the Peterborough 
Natural History and Scientific Society has given notice that the 
considerable distance at which their city lies from the other towns at 
which meetings are held, and some changes in the circumstances of 
the Society, will compel them to withdraw after this year. 
Darwin Medal. 
The subject for the present year is Archaeology, and the following 
gentlemen kindly undertook to act as adjudicators, viz., The Very Rev. 
J. J. Stewart Perowne, D.D., Dean of Peterborough; M. H. Bloxam,Esq.; 
Jno. Amphlett, Esq.; W. H. Duignan, Esq.; and J. A. Cossins, Esq. 
The reports received from them all speak in high terms of the value 
and interest of the only paper which was submitted to their considera¬ 
tion as complying with the conditions of the prize, and they comment 
upon the care and ability evidenced in the preparation of it. The 
Council have therefore awarded the Darwin Medal for this year to 
Mr. E. W. Badger, M.A., for his paper on “ The Monumental Brasses 
of Warwickshire.” 
“ Midland Naturalist.” 
The “Midland Naturalist” has, we consider, maintained a high 
standard of excellence in the character and value of the papers 
published. During the year there has been a change in the Editor¬ 
ship. We still retain the valuable services of Mr. E. W. Badger, to 
