a 
5 
each other, so that no meeting of one society can possibly 
clash with one of the other. The same friendly relations 
and desire for co-operation will continue, while each 
society will feel itself more free to pursue its own particu- 
lar path. 
“The council beg to mention in this report the great 
benefit which your geological and conchological local col- 
lections have received in the re-arrangement, and re-nam- 
ing kindly given to them during the past twelve months, 
by five members of the Naturalists’ Field Club. These 
mtleman were Mr. William Gray, Mr. Hugh Robinson, 
Mr. §. A. Stewart, Mr. William Swanston, and Mr. Joseph 
Wright, whom your conncil have recently elected honorary 
associates of the society, the only suitable mark of 
courtesy they had it in their power to bestow, as a recog- 
nition of such services. 
‘As regards the museum buildings, they are sound and 
in good condition, your council having made it a rule 
never to allow any false economy in moderate repairs to 
permit depreciation in your property. Some of the local 
collections have been already referred to as having been 
re-arranged ; a similar revision will probably be extended 
to other departments during the next twelve months. At 
least another year’s work remains to be done, before all 
the collections can be reported in that thorough state for 
reference and inspection which your council would wish 
to see. Volunteers from both societies have generously 
undertaken the completion of this necessary labour. A 
considerable number of donations has been received 
since last announcement for the museum and the library. 
“On account of space being required for new cases or- 
dered last year, the shelves hitherto used for books had to 
be Sales, and therefore, for some littletime, the contents 
of the library cannot be referred to so readily as our 
librarian would desire, But this your council hope will 
be rectified ere long. 
“As has been the custom for many years past, the 
museum was thrown open to the Betfast working classes 
at the charge of 2d for adults, and Id for children, on the 
occasion of their chief annual holiday, Haster Monday. 
More than 5,000 persons visited it during the day. The 
same orderly conduct prevailed, and the same lively interest 
was manifested in inspecting the various objects of na- 
tural history and art, as it has been your council’s pleasing 
duty to note for a long series of years. 
_ “Your council again let the museum middle-room dur- 
ing the past winter and spring to the Ladies Institute for 
nl 
