12 REPORT OF THE 



geological room was found too considerable to allow of this 

 great improvement being undertaken, but the Council earnestly 

 recommend its execution on the earliest favourable occasion. 

 By a very simple method one of the upper rooms has been 

 fitted to receive the preparations in Comparative Osteology *, 

 and thus space is gained for an improved classification of the 

 foreign birds, the reptiles, fishes, and invertebrata. The re- 

 pairs of the Hospitium have given the means of saving from 

 injury some of the larger antiquarian remains, which are now 

 conveniently placed in the basement, and may be more ad- 

 vantageously arranged hereafter, when the flooring and fitting 

 up of this building shall have been effected. 



To this account of the increase of the Museum, the Coun- 

 cil add with regret the announcement that the Officer under 

 whose care it has grown to its present extent is compelled, by 

 the pressure of other engagements, to resign the charge which 

 he has exercised for fifteen years, though he still hopes to give 

 to the Society proofs of his unaltered regard for its interests, 

 and some aid in carrying out its scientific objects. The ne- 

 cessity of this measure was explained to the Council in the 

 commencement of the last year, and some consideration has 

 since been devoted to the arrangement of a plan for the 

 economical and effective administration of the Museum, which 

 has been duly weighed, first by a special Committee and 

 finally by the Council ; and this plan, which offers but slight 

 alterations of the general system, and yet provides for vigilant 

 economy, as well as a due performance of requisite duties, 

 is now submitted for the approbation of the Meeting. 



It is well known that many provincial Philosophical Societies 

 have derived great benefit from the services of members to 



* Mr. Brown has presented the painting of these rooms, as well as of th« 

 boundary gates, the new fountain, and other objects. 



