Evolution of the Glasgow Naturalist: from the "missing proceedings" to modern times

6 Pages·2001·3.9 MB·

by  J R Downie

GLASGOW NATURALIST
Vol. 23 Part 6 pp 68-73 (2001)
EVOLUTION OF THE GLASGOWNATURALIST: FROM THE
’’MISSING PROCEEDINGS” TO MODERN TIMES
(With Appendix ofextracts and illustrations from the society’s journals)
J.R. DOWNIE1 and T. NORMAN TAIT2
1 Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences,
Division ofEnvironmental and Evolutionary Biology, Graham Kerr Building,
University ofGlasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ
2 11 Rosshall Place, Renfrew, PA4 OBA
The origins oftoday's GlasgowNaturalist can alternation was eventually abandoned. The first
be traced back to volume I of the Proceedings of volume ofthis new series (1883-1886) included the
the Natural History Society ofGlasgow (1858-69). nextpaper in the Fauna ofScotlandseries.
This begins with an account of the Society's 8th
Annual General Meeting, held on 27th September, A new format and our modem title, the
1859. What happened to the earlier Proceedings, Glasgow Naturalist began in 1909 with editors
you might ask? Jack Gibson's note on the "missing named for the first time: D.A. Boyd and John
Proceedings" (Ps. 74-9) gives the answer. Paterson. This first volume appeared in four
separate parts, each with its own title cover,
The contents list of this first volume was by between November 1908 and September 1909.
topic, in alphabetical order, compiled once the The contents continued the earlier pattern,
whole volume was complete, and covering the essentially, with four named sections: papers,
activities of nine sessions, 1859-60 to 1868-69. proceedings, excursions and notes. By now, it was
The contents covered the proceedings of each common for papers to have citations to other work,
Society meeting: chair, election of new members, as footnotes. Four parts, totalling 153 octavo pages
specimens exhibited and the paper read - usually in and covering a single year, was no mean feat for a
abstract only, but occasionally in full. Most ofthe local natural history society. This pattern of
papers were accounts of fieldwork: they never publication continued till 1915 (Volume VII). The
included citations to other work, and rarely war years then took their toll. Volume VIII did not
included illustrations, though this first volume did appear until 1926 and comprised six parts only,
have some colour figures (see Fig. 2 for a with Proceedings only up to 1918. Volume IX,
reconstruction of one of the original hand-tinted dated 1919-1930 included only a single part and,
illustrations). The Proceedings also included the for the first time, began with an editorial,
Society's annual membership list, the office-bearers explaining the long delay in putting the volume
(no editor is listed: presumably the secretary put together.
the Proceedings together and dealt with the printer
- reports ofprogress on printing occur frequently at The Publications Committee regarded it as a
meetings), and the Bye-Laws. hopeless task to bring up to date a full account of
the Proceedings from 1919 to 1930, so it had been
This pattern of publication continued till agreed to publish only a "selection ofitems deemed
Volume V (1880-1883), and concluded with a very specially worthy ofrecord". Though much ofvalue
detailed index to these first five volumes. Volume had been left out, the editor hoped "that by this
IV included two substantial papers, the first in a violent method the burden of the past will be
proposed series on the Fauna of Scotland (see Ps. removed and that the Society can start afresh to
100-3 for article by J.A. Gibson on the Fauna of publish with proper fullness and regularity". The
Scotlandseries). editorial covered many other points in the Society's
recent history: many deaths; more positively, the
A new Constitution was passed in 1884 and British Association meeting in Glasgow (1931) in
included a re-naming of the journal as the which the Society had been very active (see
Proceedings and Transactions of the Natural Richard Weddle's account of the Clyde Lists, Ps.
History Society of Glasgow (our forebears loved 88-99). The most momentous event covered in the
long journal titles!). This new format appeared in editorial, in terms of Glasgow's natural history
eight successive volumes, finishing in 1905-08. societies, was the amalgamation, in 1931, of the
The Transactions section was a set of fully Natural History Society of Glasgow with the
reproduced papers, paginated in Arabic numerals; Andersonian Naturalists and Microscopical Society
the Proceedings followed in Roman numerals and (see Richard Sutcliffe's history of the Society Ps.
covered essentially the same contents as 62-7). Volume IX was therefore the last based on
previously. The cumbersome Arabic, Roman the work ofthe Society as constituted to thattime.
68
1
The next Volume (X) was published (1932) I also took the opportunity to quiz the membership
under the name of the Glasgow and Andersonian on what they thought ofthejournal, and to suggest
Natural History and Microscopical Society. some changes. The results supported the move
However, the Annals of the Andersonian from octavo-sized pages to A4, the first page size
Naturalists' Society, which had begun in 1893, did change in the journal's history. They broadly
not finish until Volume IV in 1936, the final part supported the mainly scientific nature of the
being a reminiscence of the Andersonians (1885- contents (by now, the Society also issued a
1930) by John Lee. quarterly newsletter with more up-to-the minute
information to keep members in touch), but also
During the next 16 years (1931-1946),
showed interest in more articles on controversies
including the Second World War, 12 parts
appeared in 6 volumes, a steady achievement under and historical topics: I hope readers have been
satisfied with the moves in these directions, in part
the circumstances. Thereafter, the journal
by the annual editorial articles.
abandoned Roman numerals and settled to a fairly
regular pattern ofpublishing one part per year, 4-6
parts constituting a volume. The contents were I doubt that the debate over the production of
the Glasgow Naturalist has ended, and the new
now: papers, a digest of proceedings (highly
editor (Volume 24) will need to grapple with some
condensed), notes from excursions and sectional
reports. A steady evolution occurred, with society real problems. It is anomalous that a local natural
history society with a small membership base has
business becoming more abbreviated, and scientific
papers taking up more space. A category of managed for so long to produce a high production-
standard scientific journal, probably the best of its
short(er) notes appeared from 1963, compiled by
kind in Scotland. Despite modem computer
Robert Mackechnie till his death in 1978 and
thereafter by Alan McG Stirling, 23 years and still technology, the costs in time ofputting thejournal
going strong. Bookreviews appeared from 1980. together are very considerable, and not at all
reflected in what the Society is currently paying.
Every now and again, there is evidence ofthe Yet every now and then, members ask why it is that
strain that publication of the Glasgow Naturalist subscriptions have to rise, despite the existence of
puts on the Society: this was most obvious in Eric the BLB money. The Society's Council has so far
Curtis's Editorial in Volume 19 Part 5 (1978). He taken the view that the BLB fund should be used
began: "The position ofthe GlasgowNaturalist has for scientific natural history work, not to subsidise
long been unique in Scotland and many valuable membership. It may soon have to decide whether
scientific articles covering the full range ofScottish this includes paying the real costs of the Glasgow
Natural History have been published. Now, Naturalist's publication.
however, is the time for taking stock ..." Rising
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
publication costs and a lack of submitted papers
were the problems. The membership had to decide
Thanks to Richard Sutcliffe for his comments
whether or not they wished to continue making a
on the manuscript and to Jack Gibson for checking
long-lasting contribution to Scottish natural history
details on the ‘Missing Proceedings' and the
in the form ofa properscientificjournal. Whatever
‘Fauna ofScotland’.
the misgivings some members may have had, they
REFERENCE
were effectively submerged by the very vigorous
editorship, over the next two volumes (and 1 Downie, J.R. (1998) sowing the seed.... the
years) of Ron Dobson. Ron's meticulousness in first 5 years ofthe Blodwen Lloyd Binns Bequest.
checking every detail, even after referees had been
GlasgowNaturalist23(3), 1-2.
satisfied, and his legendary work-rate concealed the
APPENDIX
real burden that the production of a regular
publication represents for a relatively small, Extracts and illustrations from The
unsubsidised, voluntary society. Something had to Proceedings of the Natural History Society’ of
give, or .... a miracle, which appeared in the Glasgow and subsequent titles, with comments in
entirely unexpected legacy to the Society from the brackets.
estate ofBlodwen Lloyd Binns (BLB), who died in
1991. The Society has used the income accruing Lively Meetings
from the investment ofthis legacy in several ways 26/11/1872
(see Downie, 1998) and immediately, Ron Dobson “Mr William Johnston exhibited a living
got agreement that BLB money should allow the specimen ofthe Four-homed Sheep of St Hilda, a
journal to print a numberofcolour pages per issue. very curious breed, about which little appears to be
known.”
When I took over from Ron as Editor for 26/10/1875
Volume 23, 1 made it clear that 1 could not devote “Mr James Lumsden, F.Z.S., exhibited a living
the time Ron had given to physical production and
wthaast maygreoefdficethawtoutlhde neBeLdBsowmoeulrdecohmepnecnesweo:rthit scappetcuirmeednonofthethe16tOhspofretyhis(mPoanndtihononhbaloiaaredtust)h,e
S.S. Ethiopia, about 200 miles from the coast of
provide a nominal sum for Glasgow Naturalist
Ireland.”
production, as well as the costs ofthe colour pages.
69
25/1/1876 meeting the union was consummated by the
“Dr Dewar exhibited a pair of live Wild Cats, entrance ofthe members ofthe former Society into
(Felis cotus, Linn.), which had been obligingly lent the Natural History Society ofGlasgow.”
by Mr Henry Martin, Buchanan Street; and The First Exhibition Meeting
remarked that this species was frequently met with 24/11/1863
in Inverness-shire.” “On Tuesday evening, 24th November 1863, a
[It was, and still is, the practice ofthe Society Conversazione and Exhibition took place in the
to place on a table unusual and interesting natural Queen’s Rooms.”
history exhibits at ordinary meetings for members Subscription Hike
to examine. Live material such as potted plants
25/9/1883
and marine specimens are sometimes exhibited
today. Live sheep and live wildcats must have “The Treasurer, Mr Robert J. Bennet, submitted
his Annual Financial Statement, which showed a
created havoc.]
balance due to him of £14 Os. lid. and, with the
The Annual Slaughter view of increasing the Society’s funds, he
30/10/1877 recommended that the entry-money should be
“Note on the recent occurrence of the Hoopoe altered to 7s. 6d.. and the annual subscription
(Upupa epops) in Arran, By Mr James Lumsden, increased to 7s. 6d.”
F.Z.S.
New Technology
On the 23rd May, 1877 a Hoopoe, Upupa 23/6/1885
epops, was shot at Dougrie, Arran. It had been “An exhibition of microscopic objects later
observed for several days frequenting a sand-bank took place, an attractive feature of which was a
where some starlings had their nests, or running Lantern Microscope with lime-light, shown by Mr
about among the rushes in a marshy field close by. John Trotter. A large number of objects were
The bird appeared strong on the wing, and was exhibited, greatly magnified, on a white screen; and
very wild. The gamekeeper who shot it, a man of the ease with which the minute details of animal
unusual intelligence, [an obvious requirement for and vegetable structures could thus be examined
killing birds!] assured me that he thought it had a afforded much satisfaction to all present.”
nest about the sand-bank; but this statement must
[Lime-light was a type of lamp in which lime
be taken with considerable reservation.”
was heated to white heat using gas burners. Such
25/2/1879
lamps were often used in stage-lighting - hence the
“Notes on the occurrence of the Tufted Duck expression ‘in the limelight’.]
(Fuligula cristata) as a breeding species in 25/1/1887
Scotland. By Mr Rowley Jex Long.
“Mr. John Trotter exhibited some improved
“The specimens which I have brought here microscopic apparatus, including a method of
tonight, and which were obtained from Perthshire, illumination by electricity by means ofa very small
were sent to me in the latter part of last year, my lamp of special construction placed close to the
friend having had them in his possession since last microscope stage, thus obviating the inconvenience
summer. He writes: The Tufted Duck’s nest I ofa large battery and the use ofcondensers.” “The
found under a swan’s nest, on a small island, about small electric lamp could be fitted into any stand
18 inches down among the straw, and there were 9 without interfering with the use of the ordinary
eggs in it. I shot the drake, which you have, but the lamp, when its employment might be desired.”
duck got away after being wounded. I took two of 4/6/1889
the eggs, and went back again a week after, but she
“Mr. C. O. Sonntag read a paper on Mounting
neverreturned so I tookthe whole ofthem.’ Botanical Specimens for the Microscope. These,
[During the late ninteenth and early twentieth along with a number of other objects, were
century the NHSG had two members who were afterwards exhibited by means of an oxyhydrogen
professional Glasgow taxidermists - namely microscope lent by Messrs. George Mason & Co.”
Charles Kirk and Henry McCulloch. Exhibits of [probably an equipment hire company for specialist
stuffed birds or individual skins were therefore
equipment.]
commonplace at meetings.]
Weirdo Exhibits
New Members
13/8/1889
27/3/1866
“Mr. Henry M'Culloch exhibited a Pheasant
“A proposal of amalgamation, from the with four legs.” [This was followed by a possible
members ofthe Glasgow Naturalists’ Society, was explanation ofthe abnormality.]
submitted to the meeting, and accepted.”
25/3/1890
30/9/1879
“Mr. D. A. Boyd exhibited the head of a
“Towards the close of last Session proposals mummified Cat from Beni-Hasan, Central Egypt.”
were made by the Glasgow Society of Field 28/1/1891
Naturalists for an entrance into this Society, and “Mr. Robert Broom M.B., C.M., B.Sc.,
these being favourably entertained, negotiations exhibited the head ofa Cyclopean Lamb, on which
were entered upon by the respective Committees, he made some remarks.”
resulting in a satisfactory issue; and at the closing
70
1
n
TransHatSoc TlaMow 1868 Vol1 FI 111
Wmgmm.
W. Sinclair,del WHITE'THROATED SPARROW (,Zon.otrichiaAlbicoliis ) Frank Bolt.Lith.
Notice ofthe occurence ofthe White-throatedSparrow (Zonotrichia albicoliis) in
Aberdeenshire. By Mr W. C. Angus, Aberdeen, Corresponding Member.
“I have much pleasure in adding this interesting North American species to the fauna
of Europe. The bird which I send for exhibition, along with this notice, was shot by
Mr Mitchell on the 17th August, 1867, near the Broad Hill, on the Links ofAberdeen.
It was put into my hands immediately after being procured, and I made a careful
”
examination ofthe specimen before it was skinned.
[Detailed description]
—
“ - have only to add that the bird bore no traces ofhaving been in confinement, the
wings, tail, and all the lower plumage, being quite clean.”
“The Plate accompanying this notice is from the pencil of Mr William Sinclair; the
upper figure is that ofthe bird exhibited and the lower one represents a male from the
cabinet ofMr E. R. Alston ofGlasgow.”
Fig. Monochrome Lithograph and text taken from
1
the Proceedings ofthe NaturalHistory Society ofGlasgow, 1868
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72
26/4/1892 diseases, and which have been known to occur in
“Professor Prince exhibited a female Haddock other sections ofthe animal kingdom, the author of
(Morrhua oeglefmus) from the East Coast, the report stated his beliefthat it was attributable to
measuring two feet in length, with a large the extreme scarcity offood, causing an emaciation
melanotic tumour.” resulting in death.”
25/1/1902 [After the First World War, the Natural History
“Mr. John Ballantyne exhibited a Chicken with Society ofGlasgow had lost a number ofmembers
four legs, and made some remarks on its structure.” due to war casualities. Funds were now lower and
the Council decided that the Society Journal, re-
Stingy Council named The Glasgow Naturalist in 1909, should
28/5/1901 only contain a Digest of the Proceedings and
“It was intimated that the Council of the Transactions of the Society to save space and
Society had voted a contribution of a guinea reduce costs. Accounts of events and speakers
towards the maintenance of the Millport Marine were thereafter much less detailed.]
Biological Station.”
Quality illustrations: a note
Early Conservation Issues In 1868 the NHSG published Vol. 1 of the
24/2/1914 Proceedings of the Natural Histoiy Society of
“A resolution expressing sympathy with a Bill Glasgow. This was a major venture by the Society
promoted in Parliament for prohibiting the and no expense was spared. The Proceedings of
importation of the plumage of wild birds for 1867-1868 included a number of both colour and
millinery purposes, moved by Mr Alex Ross was black & white lithographs to illustrate some ofthe
passed unanimously.” published papers. Lithography was a time-
23/12/1924 consuming and expensive reproduction technique
“A letter was read from Glasgow Corporation and it is probable that the contributors financed
in reply to the Society’s communication urging the their own illustrations. The less expensive
necessity ofan Order for the County ofthe City of technique of engraving involved the conversion of
Glasgow prohibiting the taking or killing in a pencil drawing or painting into lines cut into a
Glasgow Parks of any wild bird or the taking or copper plate by an engraver using special tools.
destroying of its eggs throughout the whole year. Shading and modelling was produced by finer lines
The Corporation, the reply stated, had made or cross-hatching. The success ofthe finished print
application to the Secretary for Scotland for an depended on the technique and skill of the
Order under the Wild Bird Protection Acts, 1880- engraver. Lithography was developed to give a
1908. The application was successful, and such an greater likeness to a drawing or painting. This
Order, having this wide scope, covering all species, technique involved the use ofa block of limestone
has been in operation since 1925. with the surface ground smooth. Onto this surface
a greasy, water-repellent drawing medium was
Cause for Concern applied onto which the image could be brushed,
25/1 1/1859 crayoned or drawn by pen. The surface was then
“The subject ofthe recent mortality among the dampened and an oil-based ink applied. A new
sea-fowl ofthe Firth ofClyde having been resumed stone or plate was needed for each area of the
at this meeting, the following facts were elicited image to be printed in a separate colour.
from some of the members present who were
involved in its investigation:” Vol. 1 of the Proceedings included four
excellent black and white lithographs. The first
“They were all found much further up the Firth was a plate ofpaleozoic fossils by Prof. J. Young;
than usual - as if in search of food, many birds the second was an unusual illustration ofdredging
being obtained even at Renfrew, and other places, apparatus used by Mr. David Robertson, the third a
in water at a distance from the sea. In these charming image of two white throated sparrows
situations they darted eagerly at any food which (Fig. 1) and finally a plate illustrating
came in their way, rushing at baited hooks on a carboniferous fossils by Mr. John Young. The
hand-line, and otherwise exhibiting a tameness most impressive illustrations were three pages of
more like the result ofstarvation than the effects of coloured lithographs of lepidoptera illustrating a
disease. They were all in a wasted condition, being paperentitled On some Lepidopterous Insectsfrom
almost reduced to skin and feathers, and were Congo by Mr. Thomas Chapman (Fig. 2). These
found floating in thousands over a wide extent of were the only coloured illustrations published in all
sea from the mouth of the river Clyde to the Irish of the following volumes of the Proceedings and
coasts.” the later Glasgow Naturalist until the inclusion of
29/11/1859 colourplates in Volume 22, part4 in 1994.
“Report on the Mortality amongst the Clyde
Sea-Fowl during the month of September last. By
Mr David Robertson.
The mortality, not being confined to one
species, as is constantly the case in epidemic
73