27 



bridge, we soon find ourselves on the eastern side of the river, 

 threading the narrow streets of a closely built and thickly peo^ 

 pled city. 



And now, having concluded our rapid survey, may I presume 

 to ask whether enough has not been said to justify us in believ- 

 ing that at the period in question, the city of York was inhab- 

 ited by a numerous, industrious, and wealthy community,? It 

 might be absurd to compare her condition at the close of the 

 14th century with that of London, or of any of the great com- 

 mercial cities of Italy which had then attained their highest 

 pitch of grandeur and prosperity. Probably she had no preten- 

 sion to be put upon a level at this period either as to extent or 

 population, commercial importance or architectural beauty, 

 with Genoa or Pisa, Milan or Florence ; but it will not 

 perhaps be denied that some grounds have been advanced 

 for supporting her claim to be placed in a much higher 

 position than has yet been assigned to her by any writers of the 

 history of those times. 



Jpril 6th. Dr. Goldie, V. P., in the Chair. 



John Bell, Esq., M.P. of Thirsk, and the Rev. Chas. Hawkins, 

 Canon Residentiary of York, were elected Subscribing Members. 



The following additions made to the Museum, &c., since the 

 previous Meeting, were announced by the Secretary. 



Bi/ Donation. 



From Randall Hatfeild, Esq., two fine examples of the Brain 

 Coral (Meandrina cerebriformis), and a large piece of double- 

 refracting Spar. 



From the Rev. G. R. Read, (Sutton-on-Derwent,) two very 

 remarkable Sponges. 



From William Rudston Read, Esq., his entire collection of 

 British Birds' Eggs, with the Cabinet, and a Skin of the 

 Glaucous Gull, from Iceland. 



(Troceedings Y. P. S., 1847.) F 



