5 
“From the foregoing list it will be seen that the sub- 
jects discussed haye been of a more diversified character 
than usual, it being the council's belief that so far as com- 
patible with the scope of the society as a scientific organi- 
zation, variety should be encouraged in the communica- 
tions brought forward. Such being the case, it will be 
observed that the element of pure natural history which 
used to preponderate at the meetings has, during the past 
year, not occupied such a prominent position as heretofore. 
“Some few members have joined since last year, but an 
accession is still most desirable of new adherents, whether 
-as shareholders or members, so that the practical business 
of reading papers might be extended over a larger number 
of gentlemen than has been the case for some time past. 
Considering the increase in Belfast of the educated and 
affluent classes, your council venture to express the convic- 
tion that the adyantages offered by the society for 
Wines oveninss,-ane. tobe derived by fomilicsfzom 
occasional inspection of the collections, are not as 
well known or as thoroughly appreciated as_ they 
onght to be. The council hope that an _ or- 
ganization entirely originated by Belfast men, and sup- 
ported by voluntary subscriptions, is destined ere long to 
receive a fresh accession of subscribers, and that an in- 
creased attendance at its meetings will show that the 
interest in its welfare is somewhat in proportion to the 
increased population of Belfast. The rearrangement of 
the local collections continue under the judicious superin- 
tendence of the gentlemen who have for the last two years 
been engaged thereon. The following is their detailed 
report on the subject :— 
REPORT ON REARRANGEMENT OF MUSEUM. 
“Since the last report was made upon this subject, those 
engaged in the re-arrangement haye continued to carry 
on that work, 
“The early part of the year was occupied in the ar- 
rangement of the British shells—principally the more 
minute species—a work which had been retarded, to some 
extent, by a delay in obtaining the necessary materials 
from London. ‘This collection has now been completed, 
so far as the material at present in the museum is con- 
cerned. It is to be regretted that owing to the absence of 
very many species, this collection is still far from being 
perfect. Lists of desiderata were made out and forwarded 
to Dr. Wyville Thomson, and Mr. Waller, who promised 
fo supply shells to fill up some of the blanks. As yet, 
: 
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44US LEULER 
a. 
