224 
Che Atusenm and Mibvarp. 
‘) SNE of the main objects for which the Wiltshire Archeological 
Mh Vii and Natural History Society was established, was the formation 
of a County Museum and Library, and this object has never been lost 
sight of by the Council. Several years ago, an attempt was made 
to obtain some ground for building; but about the same time, the 
room at the Devizes Savings Bank was offered, which being then 
considered sufficient for the purpose, the project for building was 
abandoned. For some years past, it has been apparent, that this 
accommodation was too limited for the purposes of the Society, and 
much valuable property has been stowed away elsewhere. The im- 
portance of obtaining more suitable premises has been frequently 
urged in the annual reports; but the opportunity did not oceur until 
last year, when the Grammar School property situated in Long 
Street, Devizes, was purchased by Mr. Jackson, with the under- © 
standing that the Society should have the offer of a portion of it 
for their Museum and Library. Accordingly a sub-committee was 
appointed to treat with him on the matter, and at the annual 
adjourned meeting, held on January 23rd last, the High Sheriff, (J. 
G. W. Spicer, Esq.) in the chair, it was resolved unanimously, that 
the premises should be purchased for the sum of £620, according to 
the recommendation of the Council, provided the necessary funds 
could be raised, (together with an additional sum of about £300 for 
alterations, &c.,) on or before February 24th, 1872. 
The response which the gentlemen of the county made to this 
appeal was very gratifying, and by the day named the sum of £934 
had been promised. 
Annexed are plans of the premises which are now the property 
of the Trustees of the Society, The entrance will be from the 
street. The ground-floor will be a Vestibule and lower Museum, 
and on the upper floor will be the Library (fronting the street) and 
