8 



rioiis undertaking, as well as in the classification 

 of the shells, the skill, attention, and diligence, 

 of Mr. John Hey, Curator, and Mr. Henry Denny, 

 Sub-curator, have been conspicuous. 



From the objections urged in various quarters 

 against a system of compulsory attendance by 

 means of fines, many were induced, at an extra- 

 ordinary General Meeting called for the purpose, 

 on the 3d of December, to support a motion for 

 their repeal, which was accordingly carried, and 

 the attendance of the ordinary members is there- 

 fore now, as that of the Proprietary Members 

 always has been, strictly voluntary. On the 

 question, whether any benefits have arisen to the 

 Society from this alteration, the Council hesitate 

 to form an opinion ; some of those members who 

 spoke of giving up their tickets if the fines were 

 continued, have nevertheless resigned, and the 

 attendance has been more variable, and, on the 

 whole, much smaller since the change. Consi- 

 derations might be adduced on the other side of 

 the question, and without deciding between these 

 the Council trust that if longer trial should shew 

 that the revival of fines would tend to the general 

 benefit, the members will not suffer their supposed 

 individual interests, to prevent the re-enactment 

 of the law. Although, from the depressed state 



