to the noble collection of Bibles and its special rarities, as well 

 as to the Aldine Classics, and various fine examples of bindings. 

 An additional privilege was accorded to the visitors in the 

 display of the absolutely priceless treasure, Claude's " Liber 

 Veritatis." 



After strolling through the gardens, where all the fountains, 

 including the celebrated " Emperor," played for their benefit, 

 the members drove through the private drives of the park, by 

 way of the Duke's Seat, descending through the glorious old 

 oaks, to the Beeley Lodge. An excellent tea was taken at 

 Beeley, and the party drove back to Rowsley Station in tiuie 

 for the 6.49 p.m. train to Derby. 



The Annual Congress of Societies in union with the Society of 

 Antiquaries was held in London in July, and was attended by the 

 Hon. F. Strutt and your Hon. Sec. as delegates from this Society. 

 The Royal Archgeological Institute held its annual meeting in 

 London in the same week, and your delegates had very unusual 

 opportunities of visiting, under the most favourable conditions, 

 many places which, as a rule, are closed to the general public. 



Your Council is glad to be able to report that, since our last 

 anniversary, the " Mercury Stone " found at Little Chester, and 

 described in our Eleventh Volume, has been deposited in the 

 Museum of the Derby Free Library, with the understanding that, 

 in the event of our Society forming a Museum of its own, the 

 custody of the "Mercury" shall revert to us. Members will 

 further be glad to know that the old S. Alkmund's Font has 

 been deposited within, instead of outside, the Church ; and also 

 that the interesting sepulchral monument alluded to in our last 

 report as in danger of immediate demolition, retains its old 

 position, admirably restored, and safe. 



Vnrious points connected with restoration and demolition have 

 received careful consideration from your Vigilance Committee, 

 and it is a satisfaction to know that high outside authority has 

 invariably endorsed the conclusions arrived at by your Council. 

 Some good has been done, and more we trust will follow. The 

 matter which at present demands the closest attention of your 



