THE COUNCIL. V 



skeletons of various species of birds. Such illustrations of 

 the structure of the animal frame are very serviceable to 

 the lecturer in natural history, and it is much to be wished 

 that they may be so multiplied as to form, conjointly with 

 ,the collection deposited in the Museum by the Curator of 

 comparative anatomy, a series more completely instructive 

 to the student. 



It has been thought by some members of the Society, 

 who take an interest in Zoology, that it would be a valuable 

 improvement to this department, if in addition to the stuffed 

 specimens of the cabinet, a limited collection of living 

 animals could be maintained in the grounds. That the 

 experiment, however, might entail no charge upon the 

 Society, a small private fund has been raised to defray the 

 expense of it ; a few purchases have been made, and some 

 valuable donations received. 



The arrangement of the Garden has been completed by 

 covering the walks with gravel, and introducing a regular 

 supply of river water. The exertions of the Sub-curator 

 in promoting the objects and interests of the Society, both 

 here and in the Museum, have been highly satisfactory. 

 Considerable progress has been made in forming a collection 

 of hardy herbaceous plants, which are disposed in an order 

 of natural groups ; and many liberal contributions have been 

 received. Two more Herbariums have been added to the 

 dried specimens in the custody of the Botanical Curator^ 



