( Ixiii_) 
his portrait, which has been satisfactorily drawn by Mr. W. 
Purkiss, from the only available photograph, as a frontispiece 
to the present volume of Transactions. 
The Journal of Proceedings, containing an account of, and 
notes on, the Exhibitions and Discussions at the Meetings, 
extends to over 60 pages, of which a large proportion is 
occupied with the account of the discussion on Mimiery in 
Butterflies. The interest taken in this debate, of which 
there is ample evidence, encourages the hope that it may be 
possible from time to time to arrange for other special 
discussions on important subjects, with an equal measure of 
success. 
The number of books, pamphlets, ete., added to the 
Library during the year 1897 and catalogued under the 
authors’ names, amounts to 124, in addition to Transactions 
and serial publications; 3860 books have been borrowed 
from the Library. Attention may be called to the large 
number of catalogued ‘‘ separata’’ in the Society’s posses- 
sion; these are comparatively little asked for, in spite 
of the manifest conveniences which papers in that form 
often present. 
The amount received for current subscriptions has been 
somewhat less than in 1896, and the arrears are consequently 
ereater. The Admission Fees show a very satisfactory 
increase. The sum to the credit of sales of publications 
is the smallest for the last ten years: it is hoped that this 
diminution is only of a temporary nature. No Life Com- 
position has been received during the year, but that remaining 
over at the close of 1896 has been invested, so the financial 
position is stronger than a year ago, notwithstanding that 
only a nominal cash balance remains in hand. There are no 
ascertained liabilities. 
The investments are now as follows:—£560 1s. 5d. 
Consols, costing £550 8s. Od., and £239 12s. 4d. Birmingham 
Corporation 8 per cent. Stock, costing £250 (The ‘‘ Westwood 
Bequest”). The present value of these investments should 
be about £630 and £270 respectively. 
11, Cuanpos Street, CavENDISH Square, W. 
19th January, 1898. 
