18 REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR 1846. 



in asserting its claim to a continuance and increase of public 

 patronage. During the lapse of four and twenty years since its 

 first commencement J the Society has had to deplore the loss of 

 a very great number of its early supporters and friends. But it 

 is to be hoped that its ranks may continue to be recruited by a 

 large accession of younger and no less zealous fellow-labourers, 

 who, both by their pecuniary subscriptions and scientific com- 

 munications, will uphold the efficiency and character of an 

 Institution, in which the City and the County of York may 

 justly feel a lively interest and an honest pride. 



