repaired, they have that appearance of respectability and cleanliness 

 which I should wish the apartments of this Society to possess. 



Since the last anniversary the Society has lost a member of great 

 repute in the ranks of science in the person of A. B. Lambert, Esq., 

 V.P.L.S., die, who in a good old age has gone to that country from 

 which no traveller returns. The particular bent of his studies was 

 botany ; but he fostered all the natural sciences, and was always 

 ready to help those who were studying natural history, by giving 

 them the use of the splendid collection he had formed at his resi- 

 dence in Grosvenor Street. It is not for me here to speak at large 

 of the great benefits he rendered to the study of botany, of the 

 splendid works which appeared under his fostering care, or of the 

 riches of his magnificent collection. These will be duly dwelt upon 

 by the President of another Societ}^ where his loss is even more 

 deeply felt. 



I have also the melancholy task of recording the decease of our 

 honorary foreign member, M. V. Audouin, so well known among 

 the celebrated entomologists of France, and whose writings and 

 exertions to forward the cause of Entomology are acknowledged 

 with gratitude by the entomologists of every countr}'. His great 

 talents had raised him to a Professorship at the Jardin des Plantes, 

 and he had filled the chair of the Entomological Society of France 

 much to the benefit of that Society. 



I must also say a few words as a tribute of respect to the memory 

 of one who until latel)' had been a member of this Society, and who 

 was so well knov/n and respected among us — I allude to IVIr. W. 

 Sells of Kingston, who, in returning home from Guildford, was thrown 

 from his gig, and died shortly afterwards of the injuries he received. 

 He was a man devoted to the cause of science, and paid great atten- 

 tion to Entomology, particularly to the habits and economy of in- 

 sects, to illustrate which he made a very interesting collection. In 

 the last volume of our Ti-ansactions are several papers by Mr. Sells, 

 which show the great attention he paid to Entomology, and the 

 great aptitude he had for observation. The one on Cteniza nidulans 

 is particularly interesting and valuable. Of his private character I 

 have heard many excellent traits, and his charitable disposition and 

 readiness to help those in distress will cause his loss to be much 

 regretted in his neighbourhood, where he was looked up to by the 

 distressed and afflicted as a benefactor and friend. 



To turn from these melancholy subjects, I would wish to give a 

 hasty glance at what has been done during the last year in this coun- 



