56 Transactions. 



tion. The fields must ever be the naturalist's study, and nature 

 his book, and that itself constitutes one and not the least of the 

 advantages of the pursuit — the combination of physical and intel- 

 lectual exertion, and the pure air in which most of it is carried 

 on, being one of the most efiectual ways of attaining that highest 

 of human existence, which consists in the possession of a sound 

 mind in a healthy body." 



SPECIAL MEETING. 



BOth March, 1883. 



Dr Gilchrist, President, in the Chair. Twenty-one present. 



A special meeting of the Society was held to-night for the 

 purpose of considering the alterations which the Dumfries Town 

 Council propose making on the Old Bridge. 



The Chairman explained the purpose of the meeting, and made 

 some remarks against the proposed changes. 



The Secretary read letters on the subject from Mr Dudgeon of 

 Cargen ; Sheriff Hope ; Mr J. Gibson Starke of Troqueer Holm ; 

 and Mr Brown, Grammar School — all disapproving of any altera- 

 tions or repairs which would in any way change the outlines or 

 the form of the present structure. After some remarks from 

 Mr Barbour, architect, Mr M'Dowall, the Chairman, Mr Kuther- 

 ford, Mr Wilson, Mr Sloan of Barbeth, Mr Broun, solicitor, 

 Messrs Grierson of Chapelmounb, M'Meekan, Watson, and Chrystie, 

 it was unanimously resolved. That Messrs Barbour and M'Dowall 

 prepare a petition against the proposed alterations, and that the 

 said petition be presented to the next meeting of the Town Council 

 by a deputation consisting of the Chairman, Mr Barbour, Mr 

 M'Dowall, and the Secretary. 



A vote of thanks was awarded Mr Bai-bour for the active part 

 he had taken in the matter. 



Gfh April, 1883. 



Dr Gilchrist, President, in the Chair. Forty-three present. 



JVew Members. — Mr Hamilton, Castlebank ; Miss Burnside ; 

 Miss A. E. Reid ; Miss M. Reid ; Miss M'Cracken ; Mrs Murray; 

 and Mr John Thomson. 



Donation. — By Mr Brown, Dumfries, a Jew's petition in 

 Hebrew. 



