of the undertaking was due. This presentation consisted of two port-folios 

 of sketches, many of them from names of high eminence, accompanied 

 by an illuminated address to each of these gentlemen. 



Tlie Art Department is constantly receiving fresh accessions. In 

 addition to the pictures purchased for the permanent Gallery, a very 

 valuable coliection has recently be?n added to the art treasures. This 

 consists of a series of Miniatures, Medals, &c., of the Bonaparte Family, for- 

 merly in the possession of the Emperor of the French, purchased many 

 years ago by Mr. John Mather, of Liverpool, and by him bequeathed to 

 Ihe town. The collection is unique, and both artistically and historically 

 is of the highest interest. 



The courses of popular lectures, commenced seven years since, have 

 been continued during last winter successfully. Particulars of them will 

 be found at the end of this Report. 



The new catalogue of the Eeferenee Library, prepared by Mr. 

 Samuel Huggins, has been completed, comprising all the books received 

 to the end of 1870. This has been a work of great labom-, time, and 

 expense. No pains have been spared to render it not only available for 

 tlie purposes of the Library, but as a useful work of reference for 

 students in every department of enquiry. A Supplement is in preparation, 

 bringing the catalogue down to the end of the present year. 



The crowded state of the book-shelves has for some time demanded 

 re-arran"-ement and extension of accommodation. This it is proposed to 

 provide by fitting up the rooms in the basement immediately under 

 the library for Parliamentary papers, Specifications of Patents, files and 

 volumes of newspapers, Transactions, and other works of pure refer- 

 ence. This will gain considerable space for works in general literature. 



The Students' room is becoming too limited for the numbers holding 

 special reading tickets ; but the room above, to which access is already 

 provided by a separate staircase, will double the accommodation. 



The recent publication on an extensive scale of photographs of the 

 Antiquities and Art treasures in the British Museum has drawn attention 

 to the desirability of a similar illustration of the objects of art in the 

 Museum, and especially in the Mayer collection, many of which are unique. 

 The expense and risk of undertaking such a work presented a serious 

 obstacle to its being carried out by the Committee, but happily an 

 arrangement has been entered into with Messrs. Vandyke & Brown, by 

 which the object will be accomplished, it is believed in a superior manner 

 without any risk to the Institution. 



