10 REPORT. 



With this view, a Committee was appointed at the com- 

 mencement of 1826, to examine the accounts, and to estimate 

 the probable demands of the ensuing twelvemonth, and the 

 means of defraying them which the Society might be cal- 

 culated to possess. The regulations recommended by the 

 Committee were adopted ; and the result has been, that the 

 expenditure of the year has fallen somewhat within the 

 receipts. 



The limitations of purchase, to which it has been necessary 

 to adhere, have put to the test the reliance which may be 

 placed upon the principle of gratuitous contribution. To 

 this principle it was determined to trust altogether, except so 

 far as regarded the payment for books already subscribed for ; 

 and yet the Council have the pleasure of presenting a long list 

 of additions both to the Library and the Museum. By the 

 returns of the Curators, it appears that one thousand six 

 HUNDRED geological specimens, ONE hundred and twenty- 

 eight minerals, and seventy-nine specimens in natural 

 history, have been contributed since February last; the 

 'number of coins and other objects of antiquarian research has 

 amounted to ninety-seven, and no.fewer than two hundred 

 volumes have been added to the Society's shelves. 



That, in the fifth year from its institution, the Society 

 should have such obligations to acknowledge, is a just subject 

 of congratulation ; since the support which it enjoys cannot 

 now be suspected to be of an accidental or temporary nature. 



