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 different 
meetings. In the winter the usual seven monthly meetings were 
held, at which 21 communications by 14 different 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 antiquities 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 scheme 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 ata 
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, which had been pre- 
pared last session, have been issued to the members in November 
last free of charge. A sub-committee has 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. 
