The Council congratulate the members on the publication of the 

 biennial volume of the Society's Proceedings. The volume is the 

 largest yet issued, and will not yield to any of the preceding volumes 

 in the importance or originality of matter. It will tend to support the 

 character of the Society. 



The publication of such a volume has trenched largely on the 

 treasury ; but it must be borne in mind that the Proceedings of two 

 yeai's are therein recorded, and it may be shown that by an arrangement 

 which has thrown much of the labour upon the Secretary, a considerable 

 saving has been effected. 



Of the former volume (No. 5) only 300 copies were printed ; and this 

 is to be regretted, as it may be considered out of print. It cost the 

 Society, including illustrations, 3s. S^d. each copy. That volume con- 

 sisted of eleven sheets, the present one of twenty-seven ; in other words, 

 the volume now placed in the hands of the members is twice and a half 

 the size of the former one, and its cost to the Society is 4s. 6d. a copy ; 

 and this, with more numerous illustrations, expensive tables, and a 

 " Flora," the printing of which exceeded the estimate considerably, in 

 consequence of the diversity of type and greater care required in 

 composing. 



During the past session several publications have been presented to 

 the Society, and it is hoped that other Societies will reciprocate the gift 

 of our Proceedings. 



iThe Council, as on other occasions, have endeavoured to provide 

 papers for the session upon which we have entered ; but the number of 

 favourable replies to the invitations sent out, is a very small proportion. 

 The Council earnestly appeal to the members to come forward, and that 

 early. By so doing, many difficulties will be avoided, and a better 

 selection of papers obtained. 



The Treasurer's accounts will be submitted to the Society ; and, in 

 conclusion, the Council beg to recommend the following five gentlemen 

 to serve upon the new Council, to be presently chosen, viz. : — Rev. J. 

 S. HowsoN, Mr. Hartnup, Mr. Picton, Dr. Ihne, Mr. Bterley. 



The Treasurer's accounts were then read and passed. — (Vide 

 Appendix, No. II. J 



The Society then proceeded to ballot for the election of the new mem- 

 bers of Council, three Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, and a Secretary. 

 At the conclusion, the Officers of the Society were announced as 

 follows : — 



