2 
HARTLAND NATURE CLUB 
IT IS ORGANIZED 
On November 16, 1907 the Hartland Nature Club was or¬ 
ganized. The secretary’s record says: 
A meeting of those interested in the study of 
Nature called this day at the residence of the writer, 
brought out an attendance of four. It was decided to 
organize a Nature Club in Hartland, and a constitution 
was drawn up and adopted. 
It was decided to hold a meeting once a month on 
a Saturday afternoon for reading of papers and discus¬ 
sions, to take walks for observation on Saturday after¬ 
noons two weeks after each indoor meeting, and to 
circulate this book for signatures between this date and 
the December meeting. 
Jay G. Underwood, Secretary. 
The constitution stated the objects to be to promote “friendly 
intercourse among students of nature,” and to secure “knowledge 
of the natural history of Hartland,” and the dues were fixed at 
25 cents a year, and afterwards raised to 50 cents! 
There were 43 founding members, 28 women and 15 men. 
ITS FIRST YEAR 
The work done at indoor meetings during the first year 
consisted of reading of articles; the reading of papers, some 
written by one member and some collective papers, written by 
the co-operations of several, one of whom acted as editor; talks 
by members or by visiting specialists; discussions and queries, 
and exhibits. The subjects considered during the first year were as 
varied as the nature interests and opportunities of the members. 
They covered many topics which are given elsewhere in the First 
Program, 1907-08. 
The meetings were held in the homes of members. Many 
members live on farms, somewhat remote. As soon, therefore, 
as the weather permitted, the club held at these farms all-day 
meetings. This developed into a very successful policy of field 
meetings for exploration of various sections of the town. After 
the home farms had been explored, expeditions were formed for 
specific study of hills, swamps, meadows, and streams. Not the 
least delight of these early meetings came on the social side from 
the getting acquainted with people in the various parts of the 
town, and the enjoyment of their interest and co-operation. 
