7 
which it appeared that, after defraying all annual expenses, 
a balance es carried forward to the credit of new finan- 
cial year of £73 5s 8d. 
In moving the adoption, printing, and circulation of the 
report, Mr. Parrsxson drew attention to the pleasant 
fact of the institution being not only free from all debt, 
but also being possessed of a moderate reserve fund, and 
being able each year to commence with a balance a‘ the 
credit side of the account. Its prospects financially were, 
therefore, good, and, as regards the future proceedings of 
the society, arrangements for next session would, it was 
hoped, continue to secure such a diversified series of scien- 
tifie papers and lectures as would maintain the interest of 
both the members and the public. 
Mr. Anverson briefly seconded the adoption of the report. 
The motion was accordingly carried, after some obser- 
yations from the Cuarrman (Mr. Bottomley), expressive of 
the peculiar gratification which he and those present felt 
in seeing amongst them the retiring president, Mr. Pat- 
terson, aiter such a long and invaluable service to the in- 
terests of the museum, as that which was referred to in 
the report. 
The list of deeds and securities was then called over, the 
various documents exhibited examined by Dr. James 
Thomson, and reported to be all in order. ’ 
Tn connexion with the expected visit to Belfast in 1874 
of the British Association, it was ordered to be recorded 
that the Natural History and Philosophical Society are 
desirous of renewing, in conjunction with the other public 
bodies in Belfast, the invitation already forwarded to the 
_ association. Such members of the society as may be pre- 
sent at the approaching meeting in Edinburgh in August 
Were empowered and requested to urge the invitation on 
the council of the association. 
The formal business of the meeting terminated by the 
election of a Council of Management for the ensuing 
_ twelve months, (1871-1872.) 
___ The gentlemen elected were announced to be—Robert 
_ Patterson, F.R.S.; Robert M‘Adam; Thomas Andrews, 
_ M_D., F.R.S.; Rey. Isaiah Steen; Alexander O'Driscoll 
aah Joseph John Murphy, F.G.S.; James Thomson, 
; D.; John F. Hodges, M.D.; Henry Burden, M.D.; 
James Cuming, M.D.; Robert Young, C.B.; John Ander- 
_ Son, F.G.S.; Professor Purser; William Bottomley, J.P. ; 
William H. Patterson. 
