12 



beicome as it were a nucleus for the reception of specimens or 

 curiosities which might be scattered in various private cabi- 

 nets, and wliich rarely coulil see the light of day : nor in this 

 fond hope have the Society miscalculated, as the subjoined 

 list of presentations will amply testify. 



Owing to public liberality, and the sedulous exertions of 

 some of the Members, new departmenis of Science have been 

 elucidated, and many of those already commenced, materially 

 enlarged. Still, however, before any of the Series can be 

 completed, the successive labor of years, and the continua- 

 tion of that liberal aid which has already been so unremit- 

 tingly bestowed will be required. Perhaps many of the in- 

 termediate links may only be attainable by Exchanges of dup- 

 licate specimens, a mode calculated to effect a double benefit, 

 and one already resorted to, in the relations entered into with 

 the Portsmouth and other similar Institutions. 



The past season has been characterized by peculiar activity ; 

 for besides the ordinary business of the Society, the Museum 

 has been arranged, and a Synopsis of its contents published : 

 and it is most gratifying to add, that both have met the de- 

 cided approval of the scientific part of the Visitors, while 

 those who are less so, have acknowledged the gratification 

 they have received from the inspection of the one, and the 

 perusal of the other. 



Not the least pleasing part of the retrospect is that derived 

 from the consideration that several of the most distinguished 

 scientific characters have joined the Institution, as Drs. 

 Buckland, Haviland, and Kidd ; Sir Anthony Carlisle; G. 

 Mantell, Esq. F. R. S. ; Wm. Frend, Esq. M. A., &c., 

 vhose names will warrant application on any of the subjects 

 they are eminent in, concerning ^vhich the Society may rc- 

 t^uire additional information. 



