112 THE SPECTATOR. 



Wightwick, esq., of Plymouth, who is also expected 

 to deliver another at a subsequent period. 



Classes for instruction in mathematics, (fee. have not 

 yet been formed ; it is hoped that something of the 

 kind may be contemplated shortly : the want of a 

 suitable room, however, forms a difficulty. An offer 

 of prizes for the best papers on given subjects has been 

 thought of as affording a stimulus to inquiry. 



The subscription to this institution is nine shillings, 

 a-year, or twelve shillings and six pence with the privi- 

 lege of introducing one person to the lectures : there 

 is no exclusive rule, as in the Barnstaple Institution ; 

 perhaps there may be an error on the other side, as the 

 bulk of Dr. Burrow's audience were ladies ; that may 

 not, however, be the case with other lecturers. 



The ToRRiNGTON Mechanics' Institute, was 

 established May, 1832, since which time the number 

 of members who have entered is 95 ; the present num- 

 ber of members in the society is 62, wno subscribe 

 two pence per week, or quarterly payments, in ad- 

 vance, in addition to two shillings and sixpence, paid 

 on entrance. 



The members consist principally of tradesmen and 

 mechanics, many of whom are in low circumstances. 

 Few periodicals are taken in besides a London, daily 

 paper and the Exeter " Western Times." 



The funds, now in the possession of the treasurer, 

 consist but of b. few shillings. The present number of 

 members will but barely defray the expences of the 

 reading room, fire, candles, and newspapers ; conse- 

 quently nothing will remain for the purchase of books 

 or expence of lectures. 



In a future number of " the Spectator" we hope to 

 give an account of the Plymouth Mechanics' Institu- 

 tion, as it at present exists, together with a concise 

 history of its origin and subsequent progress. 



