22 



Society, that the object for which the " Investment Fund" was 

 originally created was twofold : first, to accumulate the means 

 for providing a Museum for the preserved Collection. That 

 object havmg now been partially accomplished, all anxiety on 

 that account is set at rest for the present, and the amount 

 which has been thus expended may be considered as a legiti- 

 mate application of so much of that fund. Secondly, to place 

 the Society on a basis of stability and permanency, and to 

 provide a resource in case of sudden emergency, or for any 

 considerable purchase of extraordinary interest. The pur- 

 chase of the Giraffes, and the attendant expenses, may there- 

 fore be considered in the same light as the Museum. 



But another circumstance of paramount importance has 

 gradually arisen, to which the Committee of Auditors beg 

 leave to invite the attention of the Council. 



The amount received for life compositions up to December 

 31, 1836, is £11,310; viz. 438 at £20, and 85 at £30. These 

 compositions your Committee consider as deposits in trust; 

 and as such, in their judgement, ought to be permanently 

 invested. The Auditors therefore beg permission to suggest, 

 that henceforward the minimum of the Investment Fund should 

 be the amount which has been received for life compositions, 

 and that in future all the moneys received for compositions 

 should be invested permanently ; and such other sums as the 

 Council may be able to invest from time to lime may be added, 

 or kept on other distinct securities, as in their judgement may 

 seem most advisable. 



The Committee of Auditors have great satisfaction in bear- 

 ing testimony to the correctness, zeal, and ability with which 

 the system on which the Books are arranged is followed up 

 by the Assistant Secretary. 



In the following summary is comprised a portion of the 

 Investment, Expenditure, and property of the Zoological 

 Society on the 31st December 1836 : 



£. s. d. 



Cash balance at the Banker's . . . ., 1259 1 5 



The amount paid for £10,660 15s. 2f7. "1 rjggj ig » 

 funded 3 per Cent. Stock J ' 



