100 Transactions. 



other causes; so that our membership numbers now 190, or 14 

 less than last year. Notwithstanding that our membership is 

 smaller a greater number take a more active part in the difl'erent 

 meetings. In tlie winter the usual seven montlily meetings were 

 held, at whicli 21 communications by 14 diflerent members were 

 read and discussed, this being 7 more than last session, and un- 

 equalled in the history of the Society. Several of the papers 

 read are of great importance, and testify to the usefulness of the 

 Society in investigating our local antiqviities as well as the fauna 

 and flora of the district. The usual five Field Meetings and a 

 special one in the end of July were held, all of which proved 

 both instructive and enjoyable to those participating in them. 

 The average attendances at these meetings were 32-1 for the 

 winter and 30" 1 for the summer, being larger than those of last 

 year, which were 31-6 and 20*4 respectively. On the 22d of 

 May last, a Special Meeting was held, at which it was unani- 

 mously decided to proceed with the scheaie for obtaining posses- 

 sion of suitable rooms for the keeping of our books and specimens, 

 and for holding meetings more frequently. A Special Com- 

 mittee — consisting of Dr Gilchrist, President ; Messrs J. Gibson 

 Starke and J. Barbour, Vice-Presidents ; Mr J. Lennox, Trea- 

 surer ; Mr Watson ; and Mr Wilson, the Secretary — was ap- 

 pointed to make and complete the necessary arrangements, and 

 to collect subscriptions towards defraying the expense. This has 

 been done, and through the kindness and liberality of a number 

 of ladies and gentlemen interested in the Society, we have now 

 taken possession of our own rooms on lease for 15 years at a 

 nominal rent, and I believe when the balance sheet will be made 

 up, free of debt, without drawing on the ordinary funds of the 

 Society. The importance of this undertaking cannot be over- 

 estimated, for it will supply a desideratum long required for 

 extending our usefulness. 



There were 12 Committee meetings and several other meetings 

 of the Special Committee held during the session, all of which 

 were well attended. 



The transactions for the years 1880-83, whicli had been pre- 

 pared last session, have been issued to the members in November 

 last free of charge. A sub-committee lias been appointed to 

 prepare them for the sessions 1883-84 and 1884-85, and this is 

 so far done as to be ready for the printer when desired. 



The donations of specimens have not been so numerous as last 



