394 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSKDM. 



Colonial Architect James Bainet, who completed the West Wing, 

 commenced by Colonial Architects Dawson, became an Official Trustee 

 in December in virtue of his office-"'^. 



For twenty or more yeais that eminent Natui'alist, William Sharp 

 Macleay, gave his best energies to the welfai^e of tlie Institution. 

 Committeeman from 1S41 to 1853, Elective Tiustee from 1853 onwai'ds, 

 ill-health compelled him to resign in Januai'y, 1862-"'\ The Board 

 presented him with an Address, a copj' of which is herewith given. 



"To William Sharp Macleay, Esq., A.M., F.L.S.. etc., etc., etc. 

 Sir, 



We the undersif^ned Trustees of the Australian Museum cannot allow 

 the occasion of your resig'nation to pass without expressing to you the 

 great regret with which we liave learnt, that the state of your healtli has 

 rendered the step imperative. We the more regret your retirement, 

 because we are sensifile of the value and prestige which apjjertain to your 

 name as that of one who has largely contri))uted to the advancement of 

 those objects of Science which the institution is intended to promote. 



We gladly avail ourselves of the opportunity to record our high 

 appreciation of the valuaVjle services in which you have on all occasions 

 rendered to the Institution during the long period, now extending over 

 twenty years, that you have been a member of the Board. 



We shall glatlly avail ourselves of the further assistance which you 

 have kindly proffered. 



In conclusion we have much pleasure in expressing to you our earnest 

 wish that with improved health you may long enjoy the solace of indulging 

 in those Literary and philosophical researches which have gained for you 

 a high reputation throughout the civilised world. 



We have the honor to subscribe ourselves, 

 Sir, 



Your most obedient humble Servants, 

 (Sig.) George Bennett, M.D. E. Deas Thomson, Chairman. 



Alfred Koberts George E. Turner 



E. J. Want William J. Stephens 



William Macleay Edward S. Hill." 



The first regular proposal to keep Specimen Kegistei's, as we know 

 them now, seems to have emanated from Alfred Roberts, Esq., who in 

 March carried the following resolution-''": — 



" That it lie the special duty of the Curator or Acting-Curator to keep or liave 

 kept a tabulated Account of all specimens received into the Museum 

 which shall emV)ody the following points and 1)0 laid before each Montiily 

 Board Meeting. 



1. Number in consecutive arrangement. 



2. Name and habitat of Specimen (as near as ]-»os8ible). 



3. Name of Donor or of person purchased fruui. 



4. Date of presentation or of purchase. 



5. Date of its being handed to the Sub-Curator or Taxidermist for 



preparat ion . 



6. Date of its return to Curator. 



7. Letter and number of place or compartment in which it is placed. 



8. Ultimate destination." 



2"' Letter-book, ii., p. 73. 



•^''' Minutes, 2nd January, 1862; Annual Report for 1^02 (lW3-4).p. 1. 



2T7 ^, 6th February and 0th Marcli, 1K62. 



