3 
towns seems now inseparably connected in the minds of 
the rising generation with a visit to the Belfast Museum ; 
a conjunction of ideas which your council cannot but 
dwell upon with satisfaction. 
‘With regard to the buildings, your council have ap- 
pointed a special committee to execute certain repairs to 
both the inside and outside of the Museum. This expen- 
diture they consider necessary for the proper preservation 
of your property. They have had it under consideration 
for some time, and have deferred it till this summer for 
various reasons. In accordance with instructions given 
them at last annual meeting, your council have increased 
the fire insurances on the buildings and contents by £1,000, 
making a total now insured thereon of £5,600. In ad- 
dition to the value of the Museum itself, and the collect- 
ions therein, the shareholders hold £400 of 4% per cent. 
Northern Counties’ preference shares, in the names’ of 
their trustees. The treasurer’s account, appended hereto, 
shows a balance at credit, after paying current annual ex- 
penses, of £97 os. 5d. 
“‘Your council cannot conclude their report without 
drawing attention to the approaching visit of the British 
Association to Belfast in the autumn of 1874. They trust 
that this society, and every other scientific and literary 
society in Belfast, will do all in their power to make that 
visit a pleasant one to the distinguished strangers who are 
then to honour us with their presence. >, Your council are 
sure that so far as this society can their efforts will not be 
wanting. 
“ The following is a record of the various papers read 
before the society during its session of 1872-3. But be- 
fore the session was regularly opened, it must be noticed 
that a special meeting was held on the 5th of November, 
1872, for the purpose of hearing a lecture kindly delivered 
by John S. Phené, Esq., F.S.A., F.G.S., F.R.G.S., life 
member of the British Association; member of the 
British Archzeological Association, &c., on our Prehistorie 
Monuments” :— : 
“st. The 52nd session was opened on the 13th No- 
vember, 1872, by an introductory address from the 
president, Joseph John Murphy, Esq., touching'on several 
points of cosmological science. 
“and, Public meeting, 27th November, 1872.” Prof. 
J. D. Everett, on ‘ Mirage.’ 
“3rd. Public meeting, 11th December, 1872. Prof. 
