9 



some former Soirees. Your Committee remark with satisfaction 

 the continued improvement in the character of the objects 

 shown on these occasions, and the greater care taken in their 

 display than was formerly the case. 



The attendance at the meetings, both ordinary and conversa- 

 tional, has been very good; at that of Feb. 28th there were 

 assembled the largest number ever present at an ordinary 

 meeting of the Club. 



The illustrations of elementary subjects at the conversa- 

 tional meetings have for the most part been discontinued, owing 

 to the expression of opinion by some of the members that they 

 interfered with the freedom of intercommunication essential to 

 the character of the " Gossip Nights." 



Your Committee consider that it will be for the benefit 

 of the Club that an additional Honorary Secretary should be 

 appointed. The members have now before them the proposal for 

 the alteration in the Kules necessary for effecting this change. 

 This alteration is so framed as to allow of a return to the 

 original arrangement should circumstances render that course 

 advisable. 



The balance in the Treasurer's hands is satisfactory, though 

 not so large as last year, on account of the expense of the 

 Conversazione. 



Owing to unavoidable circumstances the Journal is consi- 

 derably in arrear, but steps are being taken for its production 

 with greater promptness in future. The value of the papers 

 contained in it continues from time to time to be recognized by 

 the references made to them in other scientific publications. 



Your Committee beg to thank the officers of the Club for 

 their effective performance of the work of their various depart- 

 ments. 



