money ; and to enable your Council to meet this de- 

 mand, John Chapman, Esq., New Buildings, a Life 

 Governor of the Institution, very handsomely ad- 

 vanced the sum, at a reduced rate of interest. 



It is hoped, that ere long the debt itself may be 

 extinguished, that the Council may be more able to 

 purchase, from time to time, such valuable articles as 

 may be required to complete our collections. Under 

 present circumstances, they have been compelled to 

 decline some desirable purchases, and refuse applica- 

 tions from respectable Lecturers; practising a rigid 

 economy in every department of expenditure. By 

 this means, they have been enabled to pay ojfF all the 

 balances of tradesmen's bills for some time due ; so 

 that the finances now^ wear a more healthy aspect than 

 usual ; to which also, our exemption by Act of Parlia- 

 ment from local assessments has in part contributed. 



Your Council would notice with pleasure, as in 

 former years, the increasing value and attractions of 

 the Museum. The number of Visitors this year has 

 exceeded 500 ; and the receipts for admission amount 

 to £6 Ids. 9d,, being larger than the sum received 

 last year. 



Through the kindness of friends, and especially 

 through the zeal of our maritime townsmen, the Mu- 

 seum is almost daily enriched by fresh donations ; an 

 account of which will be seen on reference to our 

 Annual List. 



Our esteemed friend, and former Curator, Charles 

 Belcher, Esq., has given us evidence that he has not 



