The other Course of Lectures '*On the Progress of 

 secular Music at home and abroad in the Seventeenth and 

 Eighteenth centuries," was delivered by Sir H. R. Bishop, 

 in the Saloon of the Music- Hall, which was engaged by 

 the Council for the occasion, the Hall of the Society 

 having been found, as was anticipated from the celebrity 

 of the Lecturer, and the popularity of the Course, inade- 

 quate for the accommodation of the audience. These 

 Lectures were most effectively illustrated by an excellent 

 Choir, including several Vocalists of high provincial repu- 

 tation. 



The most prominent and novel feature of the past 

 Session, was the holding a Conversazione in the entire 

 suite of rooms of the Society, which were brilliantly 

 lighted and decorated. 



In following the suggestion expressed in the Report 

 of the preceding Session, that a Public Soiree should be 

 held, the Council experienced many difficulties, arising 

 from the novelty of the attempt ; and not being fully con- 

 fident of success, determined to bear a considerable part 

 of the expenditure, to which they did not then feel them- 

 selves justified in applying the funds of the Society. 



Invitations were issued by the President and Council, 

 for the evening of the 18th December, — the attendance 

 was brilliant and numerous, — many, on this occasion, saw 

 the treasures of the Society's Museum for the first time, — 

 and the effect produced, it may fairly be inferred, has been 

 to bring the claims of this Society prominently and favour- 



