-^ 135 — 



We are the more bound to effect this from the neces- 

 sity in which we are placed of making returns by exchan- 

 ges for the numerous papers which have been forwarded 

 to us during the year ; not only by our ordinary corres- 

 pondents but also by Societies which have entered into 

 communication with us for the first time. 



The financial position of the Society is very satisfac- 

 tory. If we have had to distribute praise among the 

 ivorldng bees of the Jiice we have on the other hand to thank 

 the members generally for their punctuality in discharging 

 their obligations. We have especially to congratulate our 

 worthy Treasurer on his judicious management of our 

 funds ana his scrupulous attention to his difficult duties. 



Wo may venture to express the hope that they may 

 again be entrusted to his hands during the ensuing year. 



Before closing this, perhaps too long Eeport, we beg 

 permission to allude to the movement which has spread in 

 Mauritius within a very short time, and for which there 

 is cause for congratulation. 



At our last annual meeting, we announced the for- 

 mation of a Society of Acclimatisation. It has already 

 communicated with the kindred Societies in almost the 

 whole of Europe, 



A Society of Emulation already existed, as well a a 

 one of Junior Medical Students. It is now question of 

 forming a Conservatory of Music, and later probably a 

 gallery of paintings. 



Those are indications of a marked advance in the 



