23 



Garden Expenses. 



A similar comparison of the " Garden Expenses " in 

 each of the last four years shows a gradual decrease of ex- 

 pense in each year; the sums expended having been as 

 follow, viz. : — 



£ s. d. 

 In 1843 ... 585 11 9 

 In 1844 ... 548 17 6 

 In 1845 ... 521 16 

 In 1846 ... 495 1 6 

 the decrease last year, as compared with 1845, being 

 £2Q 14«. &d. Although small in amount, this decrease is 

 important as being occasioned by a reduction in the Con- 

 tract for keeping the Gardens in order, to the amount of 

 £140 per annum. Upon this point your Committee ven- 

 ture to express to the Council and to the Society, the strong 

 doubts which they entertain of the expediency of any such 

 further reductions of expenditure under this head as might 

 lead to a material diminution of attraction in respect to the 

 beauty of the Gardens ; your Committee having had reason 

 to know, that the Gardens and Shrubs, and Parterres of 

 choice and beautiful flowers, have of themselves formed a 

 very great source of attraction and enjoyment, not only to 

 the Fellows and their friends, but also to the Public, and 

 they would certainly view with regret the loss of that attrac- 

 tion, which they cannot but consider would be prejudicial 

 to the interests and prosperity of the Society. 



Cost of Preparations. 



The Cost of Preparations in each of the last four years 

 has been as follows, viz. : — 



£ 

 In 1843 ... 125 

 In 1844 ... 322 

 In 1845 ... 80 

 In 1846 ... 50 



A comparison of these sums shows a very satisfactory re- 

 sult, and the heavy expense of preparing the various speci- 

 mens belonging to the Society for the Museum having now 

 been incurred, the Auditors consider that the Society may 

 calculate upon a very moderate call upon their income for 

 the future under this head. 



