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logue, for the information of members who are interested in the 
Flora of the district. 
Until lately, the Zoological department comprised chiefly the 
collections of Mr. Rooke and Mrs. Pratten ; but, during the last 
year it has been greatly enriched by a number of marine animals 
presented by Mr. E. Dobson, to whose zeal in working out the 
Marine Fauna of this coast, the Society is very greatly indebted. 
During the past year I have cleaned and mounted the shells 
and minerals, and the specimens presented by Mr. Dobson. Many 
of the shells required re-naming, and they have been arranged 
according to the British Mollusca of Professor Forbes. The Star- 
fishes have also been named according to the same author ; the 
Zoophytes after Professor Johnston; and the Crustacea after 
Professor Bell. The minerals will be arranged in their natural 
orders of the Oxidized Stones, the Saline Stones, and the Inflam- 
mables ; while the Ores will be arranged in groups, according as 
they represent iron, copper, etc., since we do not possess sufficient 
specimens to follow any other arrangement. On the underside of 
the cards on which the minerals are mounted will be found a brief 
description of their chemical composition and system of crystal- 
lization. 
During the last twelve months, specimens have been presented 
by Messrs. Dobson, B. Taylor, Nelson, Murray, Dr. Anson, and 
Mrs. Bell. I have to thank these members for their donations, 
and hope that next year we may be able to chronicle a larger list. 
I would draw attention to the fact that the Museum is, at 
present, totally unprovided with means for preserving specimens of 
animals in a fresh condition. It would be a pity that valuable 
specimens should be spoiled for want of proper means of displaying 
them. A small annual sum, set aside as a Museum Fund, would 
therefore be well bestowed, and it might be made to cover needful 
repairs for cases, etc. 
I cannot conclude this report without expressing a hope that 
a greater amount of use will be made of the Museum than has 
hitherto been the case. One evening, at least, in the Session 
might be set aside for the explanation and discussion of new 
specimens ; and I believe that this would not only be profitable to 
the members, but would lead to larger additions being made to the 
collection. A tank of sea water might also be kept in the room 
a 
