COUNCIL FOR 1845. 9 



will advance the objects, an^l not be injurious to the finances of the 

 Institution, which, supported by the force of enlightened public 

 favour, may count upon an increase of contributors commensurate 

 with the augmented advantages which it offers. The payment of 

 rent to the Corporation is fully justified by these considerations. 

 The Council are prepared to advise that no delay should be allowed 

 in the execution of this work ; the preliminary steps, so far as they 

 depend on the Corporation have been taken, the greater part of the 

 premises are unoccupied, and it is desirable to have the new Lodge 

 and the new Boundary completed before the summer, when, besides 

 the usual great influx of visitors, we may expect the arrival of the 

 numerous Members of the Archaeological Institute. 



Before passing from the subjects connected with the improvement 

 of the grounds, the Council must report to the Society an 

 arrangement of considerable importance which they have been 

 enabled to effect, whereby the controul of a portion of the Manor 

 Shore property which was let on a long lease, has been recovered. 

 They have repurchased for the Society, the lease of the Swimming 

 Bath, with all its constructions, at the cost of £1475. By this 

 arrangement the plans of Sir John Nasmyth, for the ornamental 

 works in the Garden have been much facilitated ; an objectionable 

 entrance to the Museum Grounds has been closed ; while the Baths 

 have been rendered more accessible, and capable of receiving any 

 further extension which may be deemed advisable hereafter. This 

 has been moreover far from an unprofitable investment. After paying 

 all regular expenses of the Bath and the cost of some indispensable 

 repairs, there remains, for the credit of the Society, on the Annual 

 Account, the sum of £60. 10s. lid. being equal to 4 per cent on the 

 purchase money. 



Serious apprehensions having been for sometime felt as to the 

 safety of some parts of the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey — which the 

 Society is bound to keep in as good a state as possible, the Curator 

 of Antiquities received authority from the Council to take such steps 

 as might appear necessary to repair and sustain them. He was 

 fortunate in obtaining the advice of Mr. Smirke, and it is hoped that 

 these venerable remains are not only improved in their appearance, 

 but strengthened to resist the attacks of time for a long series of 

 years. It may deserve attention whether something further may not 

 be attempted toward securing, and in part replacing, the beautiful 

 Norman piers and arches at the entrance of the Chapter House. 

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