6 



these, the Reports and Transactions of various lite- 

 rary and scientific Societies, deserve special notice. 

 With some of these Societies the Council have 

 corresponded, on matters relating to their common 

 interests ; particularly, on the subject of procuring 

 an exemption from assessment, for all buildings 

 occupied by such Institutions; and of obtaining for 

 them some of the powers or privileges of corporate 

 bodies. The value of our own Society is best seen, 

 in its connection with kindred Societies. It forms 

 a part of a grand collection of Institutions, all at 

 work for the advancement of science ; it is a little 

 star in the large and brilliant constellation, now 

 shedding its lustre on Britain and on the world. 



