180 



The public presentation of the Portrait of our President was a 

 prominent feature in the Society's proceedings last Session; and the 

 Council offer their congratulations upon having within the Royal 

 Institution such an admirable and life-like portrait of one who has 

 been so long an active and much respected member of the Society. 



The Council would refer with pleasiu'e to the very attractive Soiree 

 which was given in April last, under the joint auspices of this and four 

 other Societies. Owing to the limited accommodation of the building, 

 the tickets were necessarily limited, and it is regretted that on that 

 account many were disappointed in obtaining admission. 



The Society has expressed its thanks for the very courteous invitation 

 received from the Town-Clerk and other gentlemen of Warrington, to 

 meet several learned Societies there, on the 7th of May last ; and the 

 Council were glad to learn that the proceedings of the day gave the 

 greatest satisfaction. 



An invitation was duly forwai'ded to the British Association from this 

 Society, at their recent meeting at Belfast, and another emanated from 

 the Mayor and Town Council ; but though these were well received, 

 and personally supported by our President and Chief Magistrate, the 

 claims of Hull were accounted prior to those of Liverpool. 



The Committee appointed to prepare a Memorial upon the erection 

 of a self-registering Tide-gauge at the Observatory have been unable to 

 finish their labours, chiefly in consequence of the long-continued and 

 severe illness of Mr. Hartnup ; but they rejoice in his recoveiy, and 

 encourage the hope of being able soon to cany out the wishes of the 

 Society. 



The nucleus of a local Fauna has been prepared, and copies will be 

 furnished to members, or their friends, who may be able to extend our 

 knowledge on the subject. 



The Council have again to urge upon the members to come forward 

 with Papers, and to give early notice to the Secretary of their intended 

 contributions. 



The Treasueer's accounts will be laid before you; and, in conclu- 

 sion, the Council have to thank you for your support, and the retiring 

 President for his assiduous attentions to the business of the Society. 

 In demitting office they have to recommend that the following gentlemen 

 shall be elected upon the new Council, viz. : — Rev. H. H. Higgins, Mr. 

 Samuel Huggins, Dr. Turnbull, Mr Towson, and Mr. MacLeod. 



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

 Appendix No. II.) 



The Society then proceeded to ballot for a President, Council, and 

 Officers, when the following gentlemen were declared elected : — 



