186 . THE AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST. 
and experience in the geology of the coast from Dee Why to 
Collaroy; and lastly, Mr. Finekh invited the Society to see his 
aquaria and ponds. ‘To myself personally this last visit was a re- 
velation, not only of the wonderful collection, but of the pa- 
tience, the devotion, the unflagging attention given to the tanks 
and ponds. “Here,” said I to myself, “is the true naturalist.” 
Were his grounds thronged? We who were present imow that 
they were not; just as we know that in all the excursions eited 
above the attendance seemed to be in inverse ratio to their value. 
Can we find a reason for this? We have no longer the excuse 
that the war has absorbed our time and our energies, and the 
reason must then be sought elsewhere. If the poet is to be be- 
lieved, and 
“Hvil is wrought by want of thought 
As well as want of heart,” 
it may be that this same want of thought will explain our ap- 
parent neglect of this most important branch of our Society. 
We iiust never forget that we are field naturalists, and that a 
mere attendance at lectures and the like is not all that our calling 
requires of us. Nor must we ever forget that we cannot expect 
men and women who are specialists in their branch of science to 
continue to give us the benefit of their knowledge, unless we 
show a proper appreciation. It is, to say the least of it, un- 
fair to expect them to give time and attention to a dozen or so 
of people. If I seem too personal, I throw myself’ on your 
forgiveness, but I cannot retract my statements nor alter my 
opinion. My connection with this Society has convinced me of 
two things: (1) that it is extremely valuable, and (2) that we 
are not sufficiently appreciative of our great opportunities 
“Four things,” runs the Arab proverb, “eome not back to man 
or woman: the sped arrow, the spoken word, the past life, the 
neglected opportunity.” Therefore it may be just as well for 
us to consider within ourselves from time, the meaning of our 
Society, the value that should accrue from it to ourselves and 
to others, and we should ponder if only for a moment or two the 
full meaning of the words “Field Naturalists.” 
Are we true field naturalists? If we let our excursions de- 
generate into mere bush rambles, contenting ourselves with an 
afternoon’s outing, how can we be true field naturalists? Tf 
we limit our work to gathering a few wild flowers, learning a 
name or two perhaps, but intent on the decoration of our homes 
more than of our minds, noting little or nothing of the habit of 
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de ee 
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