37 



the seven years previous to 1847 was 111,500, and for 

 the seven years ending Dec. 31, 1858, was no less than 

 350,620. 



The Buildings which have been erected of late years are 

 of a substantial construction, will require little or no repair 

 for many years to come, and as an investment of capital, 

 might be fairly considered as forming part of the Assets of 

 the Society ; but leaving them, and the additional value of 

 the Collection of Animals, out of the account, the Net 

 Assets of the Society, after deducting all Liabilities, and 

 notwithstanding the very heavy expenses incurred in the 

 erection of new Buildings and the repairs of the old, have 

 increased since 1847 by the sum of £912, the Assets in 

 1847 being £5254, and in 1858, £6166. For these 

 great improvements in their circumstances the Society is 

 indebted to Mr. Mitchell. 



Greatly as the Council must regret the loss of the ser- 

 vices of so valuable an officer, they have the satisfaction of 

 feeling that the whole of the concerns of the Society are 

 now placed on so sure and solid a basis, that the task of 

 maintaining them in their present satisfactory condition 

 will be comparatively easy. 



The Council, in order to mark their sense of the value 

 of Mr. Mitchell's services, of his zeal and assiduity, and of 

 his unremitting attention to promote the prosperity of the 

 Society, at their Meeting on the 20th inst., came to the 

 unanimous resolution to present to him, on his retirement 

 from the office of Secretary, a Gratuity of £500, in consi- 

 deration of his long and valuable services to the Society, 



