6 
however, nothing has been received from these gentlemen; 
and it may be desirable to apply to Mr. Jeffreys, or such 
other conchologists as would be likely to assist in com- 
pleting the series. 
“Many of your specimens of cephalopoda, fishes, &e., 
preserved in spirits, were found on examination to be in 
bad condition. In some instances the objects required to be 
taken out and cleansed ; in others, the spirit had toa greater 
or less extent evaporated ; and, in order to prevent their 
destruction, it was found necessary to wash the specimens, 
and place them in fresh spirit, taking proper care to have 
the jars hermetically closed. The work has been under- 
taken by Mr. Swanston, assisted by your curator, and will, 
when completed, it is hoped, permanently secure a most 
yaluable collection, which contains, in some instances, 
type specimens on which the species has been founded, 
“The botanical department bas, however, received the 
greatest amount of attention during the past year, 
** A small herbarium of plants, collected principally by 
the late Dr. Drummond, and the late Mr. Templeton, ex- 
isted in your museum, These were examined some two 
or three years ago, and were then arranged in accordance 
with the natural system. On a further examination of 
the specimens contained in it, it was thought advisable to 
form an entirely new herbarium of the plants of Ulster, 
and also a distinct British one. 
“Your council, approving of this suggestion, has al- 
ready provided a suitable cabinet for the reception of 
these collections. A considerable portion of the past year 
has been occupied in the collection, preservation, and 
mounting of the specimens for the local herbarium. Asa 
contribution to it, Mr. 8. A. Stewart has presented speci- 
mens of 150 species,and Mr. Hugh Robinson of 325 
species of the indigenous plants of Ulster. The majority 
of Mr. Stewart’s plants, have yet to be labelled, but as they 
are mostly already mounted, ashort time will suffice for 
that work. The specimens now in this collection include re- 
presentatives of almost all the plantsfound in theimmediate 
neighbourhood of Belfast, and many from the adjoining 
counties, It is intended to add to it, from time to time, as cir- 
cumstances permit, either by personal collection or exchange, 
authenticated specimens of all the species native to the 
province. 
“The formation of the British herbarium will next be 
proceeded with. A good number of specimens are already 
