COUNCIL FOR 1858. 13 



had the appearance of an ellipse partly cut away, the outer 

 portion of the tail heing bright, whilst an absence of light was 

 generally noticed in the centre of the tail. The tail was 

 upwards of 40° in length and at its extremity was diffused 

 with a bend towards the North-west. The Astronomer Royal, 

 Professor Challis and Mr. Gray observed on the inner disc of 

 the nucleus, and a little to the left of it, a dark, well defined 

 spot ; and it appeared to Mr. Gray that a similar spot existed 

 on the outer disk. It was probably this appearance which gave 

 rise to the opinion that the comet was attended by a satellite ; 

 and led some observers to announce that the comet presented 

 the appearance of a division, similar to that which took place 

 in Biela's comet in 1846. Neither of these speculations had 

 any foundation, and no theory has been proposed which ac- 

 counts for this singular appearance. 



The Curator of Entomology reports, that the insects in the 

 cabinets are in good condition, but that no additions of im- 

 portance have been made to the collection during the past year. 

 He suggests that the type-specimens of the different genera 

 should be exhibited in table cases, and that those which are 

 reserved for the cabinets should be re-arranged according to the 

 present state of science ; and he hopes that by the assistance 

 of the Keeper of the Museum, considerable improvement may 

 be made during the present year. 



The collection of Minerals also has received no addition 

 during the past year. At the request of the Council Mr. 

 Procter will add the Curatorship of Geology to that of Min- 

 eralogy which he has hitherto held. 



In the department of Antiquities there is nothing to be 

 noted, except that the blocked up arches of St. Leonard's 

 Hospital, towards the Multangular Tower, have been opened 

 and strengthened, and the two forced entrances, made when it 

 was occupied as a wine cellar, have been closed. By these 

 changes the original arrangement of the building has been 

 rendered more evident, and the appearance of the ruins im- 

 proved. At the request of the British Museum, specimens of 

 tiles, with the stamp of the 8th and 9th legion, have been 

 furnished to the national collection of Roman Antiquities. 



