deficiencies and wants of the respective collections. You 

 will perceive, that although there are great deficiencies in 

 some departments, and none are complete, yet that a respect- 

 able commencement has been made in all. From the suc- 

 cess which we have thus far had, it cannot be doubted, that 

 with occasional aid from our own means, and with the nu- 

 merous donations we continue to receive from our friends, 

 the society will gradually come into possession of a very 

 valuable Library and Museum. These already bear a favor- 

 able comparison with those of similar institutions in the 

 United States, and we know that the Museum could at once 

 be largely increased had we the means of properly preparing 

 and exhibiting its contents. 



From the report of the Treasurer it appears, that the ordi- 

 nary expenses of the year have exceeded the ordinary income 

 by the sum of $142,88, which amount has been paid out of 

 the income of the permanent fund, and has been thus diverted 

 from the increase of the Library, to which it should have been 

 devoted. The whole amount so diverted from its legitimate 

 uses, consisting of the aggregate annual deficits for five years 

 is $470,10. This sum has thus far been lost to the Library, 

 but I trust that the improved condition of the Society's funds 

 will soon enable it to restore what has been temporarily used, 

 both principal and interest. The members will not infer 

 from these remarks that the Society has incurred a real 

 debt, as commonly understood. It is entirely free from debt; 

 but, money intended for one use has been applied to another ; 

 and the income of the sum of $2000, lately received under 

 the will of one of our benefactors will go far to relieve the 

 library fund of any other than the proper claims upon it, 

 even should no increase of means from other sources be 

 realized. 



The amount of the permanent fund, is, at this time, 

 $12,000; securely invested, and in the care of able and 

 faithful trustees. The income, alone, of this fund, is disposa- 



