by the hope that by a little longer continued care and 

 economy, aided by the kind offices of liberal friends, 

 they may shortly extinguish the debt altogether. 



Freed from pecuniary difficulties, your Council would 

 be able to direct their attention to several necessary 

 alterations in the Museum, and some improvements in 

 the fabric. 



Through the death of the Marquis of Normanby, the 

 society has to lament the loss of its first Patron, who 

 for nearly thirty years has not only been a bright 

 ornament of the institution, but at all times a steady 

 friend and liberal benefactor. 



It is hoped the excellent qualities of the father will 

 be inherited by the son, and that the loss sustained by 

 the institution will be but transient and reparable. 



The members will be happy to learn that the present 

 Marquis on the application of one of your Vice-Presi- 

 dents, has kindly consented to become his father's 

 successor as Patron of the Society. 



The reading of Papers during the winter was well 

 sustained, and secured the attendance of larger audi- 

 ences than on some previous years. 



The following is the list : — 



