former report, respecting the erection of a New Museum. 

 They trust, however, that you have made considerable ad- 

 vances towards the consummation of that desirable object. 

 It appears that a very decided conviction exists in the minds 

 of the members at large, that the present Museum is neither 

 sufficiently commodious, nor in any respect eligible, for the 

 purposes of an increasing and valuable collection of subjects 

 of natural history and art. The subject had frequently 

 occupied the attention of the Council, and, it being suggest- 

 ed, in the progress of discussion, that other parts of the Hall 

 were not sufficiently adapted to their respective uses, it 

 occurred to some individuals, that the most effectual way of 

 accomplishing their wishes would be to dispose of the present 

 building and the adjoining land, and out of the funds thus 

 obtained, and the deposits of additional proprietary members 

 •who might be expected to offer, to raise a building in all re- 

 spects more complete, and more in correspondence with the 

 growing importance of the institution. The proposition was 

 thought of so much importance as to justify the propriety of 

 ascertaining the sentiments of the proprietary members, at a 

 special general meeting — which was accordingly convened for 

 that purpose. The subject having been stated and discussed, 

 it was deemed expedient to defer any specific resolution un- 

 til the Council had proceeded further in their investigation, 

 and collected additional information. 



The first part of the inquiry naturally related to the dis- 

 advantages of the present Hall, and to the question how far 

 these could be obviated without abandoning the original site. 

 In compliance with the determination of that meeting, 

 your Council avail themselves of the present opportunity of 

 stating to you the result of their deliberations and inquiries 

 on this very important subject. 



It may appear strange to some, that the imperfections 

 of the Society's Hall should not have been discovered until 

 the present time. It should, however, be known, that they 

 have been sensibly felt ever since the institution commenced 



