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January 27, 1851. (Anniversary Meeting). 

 G. R. Waterhouse, Esq., President, in the chair. 



The Secretary having read the bye-law relative to the Annual General Meeting, 

 the Auditors' Report of the Treasurer's account was read, from which it appeared that 

 the financial condition of the Society had greatly improved during the past year. 



The ballot then took place, when Messrs. E. Shepherd, F. Smith, S. Stevens and 

 S. J. Wilkinson were elected members of the Council, in the room of Messrs. T. Des- 

 vignes, F. J. S. Parry, W. Spence and J. F. Stephens ; J. O. Westwood, Esq., 

 was elected President ; W. Yarrell, Esq., Treasurer ; and J. W. Douglas and H. T. 

 Stainton, Secretaries. 



The President delivered an address on the state and prospects of the Society, for 

 which a vote of thanks was passed, and he was requested to allow it to be printed. 

 Votes of thanks were also passed to the retiring President, for his services for the last 

 two years ; also to the Treasurer, Secretaries and retiring members of the Council. 



THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 



Gentlemen, 



It is again my duty to address you on the subject of the pro- 

 gress of our Society, as well as to call your attention to the leading 

 features indicative of the general advancement of our favourite branch 

 of Natural History. The first part of my task is easily performed, 

 but 1 must claim your indulgence for the imperfect manner in which 

 the second part is executed. Having unexpectedly been obliged to 

 leave London, on business, and to remain absent for nearly a fort- 

 night, at a time which I intended to devote to the collecting of mate- 

 rials for completing this part of my address, will, I hope, plead as an 

 excuse. 



Firstly, allow me to congratulate the Society upon the state of its 

 finances and publications, as well as upon the increase in the number 

 of its members. Our Treasurer's Report, you will perceive, is more 

 satisfactory than it has been for some years, and in connexion 

 with this statement it may be observed that there has been no 



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