S) 
tural History now belonging to this Society, consists of about 
2,000 specimens of minerals; a nearly complete collection of 
mative and a considerable number of foreign shells; 200 
Native and foreign birds; about 3,000 insects; an extensive 
Hortus Siccus of indigenous, American and other exotic plants ; 
about 200 snakes and lizards; with some skins, coins, anti- 
quities, and miscellaneous articles. Unexpected delays in fin- 
ishing the building, have prevented the collection from being 
now exposed to view, and the dampness of the newly finished 
walls, forbids any of the most perishable from being removed 
here for some time to come. They are now, however, in 
progress for being scientifically arranged, properly labelled, 
and exhibited in suitable cases, so that in a very few months, 
the Council expect to have the entire collection displayed in 
the large room in which we are now assembled. To effect 
this object, to liquidate the debt incurred, and to render the 
establishment of the Museum co-eval with the diffusion of a 
taste for Natural Science in this part of the country, are the 
purposes to which all their energies are now directed. Before 
concluding their Report, the Council wish to call the attention 
of Members and friends to the necessityof exertion in pro- 
curing additional subscriptions to the building fund, so as to 
leave the Society unimpeded, in their efforts to render the Mu- 
seum of the greatest’ possible advantage ; and also to the pro- 
priety of endeavouring to obtain additional specimens for the 
collection. To aid persons going abroad, or living at a distance, 
full directions for preserving and preparing specimens have been 
published; many copies of these have been circulated with good 
effect; and the Secretary is always willing to supply others to 
any person wishing for such information. In calling to this sub- 
ject the attention of all persons having friends residing abroad, 
the Council wish, particulary, to address those who have friends 
in the Royal Navy, on any of the foreign stations ; merchants 
having ships going to foreign countries ; and masters of vessels 
belonging to this port. All these have great opportunities of 
_ contributing largely to such an undertaking ; and the Council 
have no doubt that this appeal will be sufficient to ensure their 
