In addition to those removed from us by death, several names 

 have been struck off our lists, either by their own desire, or on 

 account of non-payment of subscriptions. Our numerical 

 strength is, however, slightly in excess of last year's roll, so that 

 we may believe the interest in our Society is still maintained. 



The hon. secretary of the Natural History Section reports that 

 the section met on February 22nd, when the Rev. W. H. Painter 

 contributed a most interesting paper on " Field Botany, what it 

 is, and how it should be pursued," in which he gave valuable 

 hints as to outfit, and illustrated his remarks by notes from 

 rambles round Derby and neighbourhood. Now that Mr. Painter 

 is living in the town, it is hoped to arrange several botanical 

 excursions with him. The annual meeting of the Midland Union 

 was held this year at Oswestry, but our Society was not 

 represented. ' 



The accompanying balance sheet is not what we wish to see 

 it ; we allowed our expenses over last year's volume to exceed their 

 proper limit, and this, with certain subscription arrears, will 

 account for the deficit, one that we trust will not be found this 

 time next year. From every other point of view your Council is 

 satisfied with the result of the fifteenth year of our proceedings. 



ARTHUR COX, 



Mill Hill, Derby, Hon. Sec. 



January \lih, 1893. 



