those held in previous years. In consequence of nu- 

 merous applications for additional tickets, the Council 

 on this occasion adopted the plan of issuing tickets at 

 5s. each, and from the funds thus realized the expenses 

 of the Conversazione were materially reduced. The 

 necessary Gas-fittings for lighting the Museum have 

 been purchased during the present year, and conse- 

 quently this source of expenditure, which has hitherto 

 proved so serious, will, in future, be almost entirely 

 obviated. 



The Financial department does not present a very 

 encouraging aspect. The proprietary debt still con- 

 tinues to press heavily upon the Society. The ordinary 

 debt is increased since the last Report ; but it must be 

 explained that this circumstance is not so discouraging 

 as at first sight may appear, as in two or three instances 

 the disbursements include payments of heavy balances 

 incurred during the last two or three years. In other 

 respects, the financial condition of the Society may be 

 considered as being more favourable than it was last 

 year, from the fact, that while a larger amount has been 

 received by the accession of new Members and Sub- 

 scribers, of which seven of the former and thirteen of 

 the latter have been elected, the outlay for Lectures has 

 been inconsiderable, notwithstanding the increased 

 number of Courses. It is, therefore, confidently hoped 

 that, by a steady perseverance in economy, and an 

 accession to the number of its supporters, the funds of 



