MAY 1, 1846. 163 



This has arisen from the following circumstances : — 



1. In consequence of the continued wetness of the summer of 

 1845, the number of tickets sold on account of the exhibitions 

 was less than in the previous year by 2900, and the receipts were 

 diminished to the extent of 587/. 7*. 



2. On the other hand the expenses of the exhibitions una- 

 voidably increased : refreshment was provided for the exhibitors, 

 and a new room was built expressly for their accommodation, 

 the latter at the cost of 150/. 16*. 2d. Unusual expenses for 

 tents, tables, an orchestra, &c., were incurred to the extent of 

 neariv 286/. The cost of the medals awarded exceeded that of 

 1844" by the sum of 279/. 10*. 



3. The effect of this decrease of receipts and increase of out- 

 lay has been to diminish the balance on the garden exhibitions in 

 favour of the Society to the extent of about 1168/. Had the 

 same balance been realized as in 1845, the debt would have been 

 diminished to the extent of 720/., instead of being increased by 

 448/. 



But the debt would not have been diminished to any greater 

 amount, because of the following charges in the year now 

 ended : — 



Some alterations and improvements in the plant- 

 houses at the garden amounted to upwards of . 



The cost of Mr. Fortune's expedition lias been 



That of Mr. Hartweg's new mission . 



Cost of the Journal ..... 



Law expenses incurred in the attempt, which failed, 

 to establish the Society's right to exemption from 

 local rates, &c., under the provisions of the Act 

 of 6and 7 Vict., c. xxxvi 78 19 



£1,510 7 1 



The Council trust that the Fellows of the Society will agree 

 with them in considering these expenses quite necessary. The 

 small increase of debt which has taken place thiring the past 

 year has obviously arisen from them, and from the operation 

 of the temporary causes already explained ; and the Council 

 entertain a confident belief that the balance-sheet of 1847 will 

 show as favourable a state of the Society's affairs as in former 

 years. 



The Council would have been glad to report that the amount 

 of arrears due by Fellows, and remaining unpaid, had been more 

 diminished than it is found to be. The Council are still engaged 



* M 2 



