6 



original prospectus accompanying this Report, and may thus 

 be summarised : " That Microscopists and others of kindred 

 tastes might meet at stated periods to converse with each 

 other, and exhibit and exchange specimens — to organise 

 Field Excursions — to form a Library of Books of Reference 

 and Study, and a Cabinet of Microscopic Objects for the use 

 of enquiring students." 



Your Committee, therefore, desire to lay before the mem- 

 bers of the Club a report of what has been done in these 

 several departments since the last annual meeting. 



By the continued kindness of the authorities of University 

 College, the Club still enjoys the favour of meeting within 

 its walls twice each month throughout the year, and the 

 Committee beg here to acknowledge and publicly thank them 

 for what is warmly appreciated as a privilege of inestimable 

 advantage. 



These meetings have been more than usually well attended 

 during the last year, and many objects of Microscopical 

 beauty and interest have been exhibited to the pleasure and 

 edification of those present ; and while your Committee 

 would not say a word in disparagement of the benefits de- 

 rivable from the ordinary meetings, they would still urge 

 upon the members and especially the younger and inexpe- 

 rienced in the use of the Microscope, the peculiar advantages 

 supplied by the gossip nights on the second Friday in each 

 month, for at these meetings mutual assistance and instruc- 

 tion is rendered to all. By a reference to the list of papers 

 read before the Club at the ordinary meetings, it will be seen 

 that although Microscopy may be the chief end sought to be 

 furthered by the Club, yet the members neglect no opportu- 

 nity of working at those collateral branches of science which 

 may aid in promoting it. In addition to these papers many 



