» REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 



prevented, amounting to about £.25. — The General Account 

 is charged with the sum of <£'.235 for the fitting up of the 

 Zoological Museum, for various important alterations of the 

 flues, repairs of sky-lights and roof, and thoroughly painting 

 the Zoological Museum ; a disputed bill amounting to ^g^.SQ 

 has been paid ; yet in consequence of the admission of New 

 Members, and Compositions, and the savings from the years 

 income, the general debt of the Society is augmented by only 

 the sum of .£'.114. 



The great expenses of the Institution are now ended ; 

 its ordinary charges can be defrayed out of the ordinary 

 income ; the public favour still follows its disinterested exer- 

 tions, new Members will surely be attracted to share its 

 increased advantages, and to stimulate its growing prosperity. 

 The foundations of the Institution were laid securely on the 

 basis of general utility, its scientific energy has been steadily 

 increasing, specially directed towards local objects, but guided 

 by a just spirit of general philosophy. Of the many thou- 

 sands who examine the treasures of this Museum, some are 

 taught to study, and all are constrained to admire, the 

 varied images of nature, and the impressive monuments 

 of art ; every day augments the intellectual wealth and 

 harmonizing influence of the Society ; it has taken its 

 just place among the kindred institutions of the age, and 

 not disappointed the hopes of its founders. The ruins 

 amongst which we stand, do indeed sufl^iciently remind us that 

 this Building, the work of our hands, cannot be expected to 

 last for ever ; yet (if we rightly understand the value of science 

 and do our best to promote it,) it is in our power to confer on 

 this Institution, more than ' a long enduring name ;' — to 

 nourish in it a principle of life and permanent activity ; and 

 to challenge from the present and future generations a 

 grateful acknowledgement of its utility, wherever the pure 

 and peaceful light of philosophy shall shine for the blessing 

 of mankind. 



