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of " Societe d'Histoire Naturelle de Tile Maurice, " 

 on the suggestion of the eminent Mr. George Cuvier, 

 by Mr. Julien Desjardins and other distinguished 

 Mauritians, and held its first sitting on the 24th 

 August 1828, the anniversary of the birth-day of 

 Cuvier. 



In 1846 the Society changed its former name for 

 that of " Society of Arts and Sciences of Mauritius ", 

 and Her Majesty the Queen having been graciously 

 pleased to authorize it to add the title of " Royal " to 

 its name, it has since 1847, been " The Royal Society 

 of Arts and Sciences of Mauritius." 



The object of the Society is to promote the ad- 

 vancement of Science, Art, History, and Literature in 

 Mauritius. 



The Exhibitions held " in Mauritius have always 

 been initiated and superintended by the Society. 



The Society is the trustee of the Colonial Museum 

 known under the name of " Museum Desjardins " 

 created by the Founder of the Society and bequeathed 

 by him to the public. 



The Society has always engaged the good will 

 and support of the government. 



Your Excellency's Predecessors have accepted to 

 be its Patrons, and some of them have given to the 

 Society their active concurrence and co-operation in 

 the promotion of its objects. 



On the suggestion of Sir Arthur P. Phayre the 

 budget of the Museum was increased last year, with a 



