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The first idea of a Midland Union of Natural History Societies dales back about four years. Early in 1874 the Tamworth Natural History, Geological, and Antiquarian Society held a very successful soiree, in which the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society took part. That meeting was in every way so satisfactory, and gave such proofs of the value of co-operation, that many who attended it expressed a desire for more instances of a like kind. Mr. W. G. Blatch, the then Honorary Secretary of the Birmingham Society, suggested that an Annual Congress should be held, and proposed the combination, in some way, of our Local Natural History Societies. Although the suggestion was favourably received and formed the subject of frequent conversations, and although it was generally admitted that an association of the kind can scarcely fail to be attended with valuable results, no practical step was immediately taken.

It was not till the 17th August, 1876, that anything definite was done. A proposal was then made, at a meeting of the Committee of the Birmingham Society, which resulted in the appointment of a sub-committee, (consisting of Messrs. Lawson Tait, John Morley, and James Bagnall,) which was requested to obtain information as to the possibility of forming a Union of the Natural History Societies of the Midland District. In the following October Mr. Blatch read the paper at a soiree of the Birmingham Society on “Suggestions for a Congress of Natural History Societies.” The Sub-committee, having reported on what had been ascertained, were further directed to proceed will the formation of the Union. In this matter considerable delay was caused by difficulties in obtaining information and in eliciting replies. Delegates having been Appointed by the various societies who were willing to join the Union, the Sub-committee summoned them together, and they met at the Midland Institute, Birmingham, on August 28th, 1877. At this meeting the basis of the Union was laid down, and a Council elected.