The first meeting of the Council, composed of two representatives from each society, was held on the 16th October last, Mr. Edmund Tonks, B.C.L., presiding, and Mr. Lawson Tait acting as secretary. These gentlemen represented the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society. There were also present the Rev. O. M. Feilden, M.A., (Hon. Sec. of the Oswestry and Welshpool Naturalists’ Field Club,) Mr. C. T. Musson, (Hon. See. of the Nottingham Naturalists’ Society,) Mr Egbert D. Hamel, (of the Tamworth Natural History, Geological, and Antiquarian Society,} Mr. Thos. Carter, LL.B. (Hon. Sec.,) and Mr. F. T. Mott, (of the Natural History Section of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society,) the Rev. W. Elliot, M.A., (Hon. Sec. of the Caradoc Field Club,) and Mr. G. U. Tripp, M.A., (Hon. Sec.,) and Rev. C. F. Thornewill, M.A. (of the Burton-on-Trent Natural History and Archæologieal Society. The following resolutions were passed:—1.—That the annual meetings of the Union be held in May. 2.—That the first annual meeting be held in connection with the Birmingham Natural History ant Microscopical Society. 3.—That each society in the Union shall, for the purpose of meeting necessary expenditure, contribute annually the sum of one penny per member, but societies whose members are less than 24 in number shall each contribute two shillings for the while of such society. 4.—That a monthly magazine, to he called the Midland Naturalist, be issued by the Union, and that Mr. E. W. Badger, of Birmingham, and Mr. W. J. Harrison, F.G.S., of Leicester, be appointed Editors. 5.—That the Editors of the Magazine be Hon. Secretaries of the Union, 6.—That Messrs. Thornewill and Tait be a Sub-committee to prepare bye-laws and report thereon. 7.—That Mr. Egbert D. Hamel be Treasurer of the Union. 8.—That the Secretary at each Society in the Union be requested ta ascertain, and communicate to the Editors, the number of members who will subscribe to the Magazine. 9—That Mr. Lawson Tait be authorised to issue a prospectus of the Midland Naturalist, and provide the Secretaries with a sufficient number for distribution among the members, 10.—That the best thanks of the Council be given to. Mr. Lawson Tait for his successful efforts, which have led co the formation of the Union.
The objects of the Union may be broadly stated to be to extend the usefulness of Local societies by affording facilities for inter-comunication through an authorised and regularly published magazine, which shall record the more important work done by them; announce their forthcoming meetings; and assist in the intercahnge of notes and specimens; and, by providing opportunities for personal intercourse among the members at meetings to be held from time do time in various places of interest, and in other ways, to promote the study of natural history, especially that of the midland district.
