SESSIOIT 1888-89. 



Wi 'October, 1888. 



ANNUAL MEETING. 



Mr Jajvies G. H. Starke, M.A., F.S.A., in the Chair. 



New Members. — Mrs Wm. M'Dowall, Cresswell Terrace, and 

 Mr John Sniitli, St. Michael Street. 



Donations. — The Secretary (Mr Robert Barbour) laid on the 

 table the Smithsonian Report, 1885, Part I. ; Elisha Mitchell 

 Scientific Society's Journal, 1888, Part I. ; and the July and 

 August numbers of the Essex Naturalist. 



Secretary's Report. 



The Honorary Secretary submitted the following report : — 

 One change has occurred during the Session which deserves 

 very special mention. The Society has lost the valuable services 

 of Mr Wilson, who for several years discharged in a most efficient 

 manner the duties of Honorary Secretary. Mr Wilson having 

 received promotion in the Civil Service, resigned the office in 

 consequence of leaving the town. The Society is much indebted 

 to Mr Wilson's activity during the time he held office, and the 

 value of his services is fully recognised. 



At the last Annual Meeting the membership of the Society 

 numbered 223, comprising 6 life, 197 ordinary, and 20 correspond- 

 ing members, while the Roll-book at present shows a membership 

 of 209, 7 being life, 183 ordinary, and 19 corresponding members. 

 During the Session 12 new members have been elected, while 2G 

 names have been taken off" the roll, on account of death, change of 

 residence, and a stricter scrutiny. 



Seven winter meetings were held as usual during the Session. 

 The average attendance was 29.7, being a falling off as compared 

 with last year, when the average was 34. Nineteen communica- 

 tions were read, most of which were of considerable local interest. 

 At the December meeting a new code of Rules was adopted, on 

 tlip recommendation of the Committee. 



