524 Devon and Cornwall Natural History Society. 
will supply all the accommodation the Society can reasonably want for some 
years ; and should the pursuit of natural history become so prosperous that 
by that time our space within this building should become insufficient, 1 am 
sure every Member present will admit such a result would be one of con- 
gratulation more than regret. As far as my own opinions are concerned, 
1 feel we are now in possession of a Lecture Room sufficient for the wants 
of the Society, and of additional space for the exhibition of our geological and 
mineralogical specimens, for a Committe Room and Library, and for a Store 
Room, all on one floor, exclusively tenanted by ourselves, in a handsome 
building and remote from noisy interruptions. I deem it a favourable omen, 
that on this day of our first assembling here the Meeting should be graced 
by the presence of ladies. Here let us hope that we shall often be again 
honoured by their presence ; nay, more, that they will deem it time well em- 
ployed, occasionally to come and participate in some branches.of our pur- 
suits. Here we may look forward, in the course of next August, to find a 
portion of the British Association, such, for example, as the Medical Section, 
promulgating and discussing some of those immensely important discoveries 
which the zeal and profound abilities of the first men of their class in Eu- 
rope are constantly bringing forward on occasion of their Annual Meetings; 
and before I proceed, I beg to announce to the Society, that I have received 
an official communication from the Plymouth Council, appointed to make the 
preparatory arrangements,—a communication which the Secretary will have 
the goodness to read to you in the course of this evening. But to proceed: 
it is in this room | fondly hope the Society will pursue, with renovated spirit, 
the several subjects of inquiry embraced by its Sections: here Zoology and 
Botany will receive their due share of attention; Geology and Mineralogy 
will be carried on with that enlightened zeal which is already beginning to 
bear fruit in the vicinity. Here, as soon as fit elements can be created, I 
shall be anxious to propose the formation of an Agricultural and Horticul- 
tural Section, with a view of spreading in these counties, among the smaller 
proprietors and agriculturists, information on the progress made in other 
districts and abroad.” 
The President then expressed the sincere gratification he felt at the spon- 
taneous and valuable testimony of apprebation of his exertions in the cause 
of science, and of personal regard which he had received. 
The letter from the Local Council stated that the British Association would 
visit these towns in the early part of the ensuing autumn, and that the libe- 
ral support of the nobility and gentry of the two counties was looked for- 
ward to with confidence by the Council. 
Mr. J. C. Beliamy, one of the Curators, announced the following dona- 
tions to the Society since the last Meeting :— . 
A valuable collection of Minerals, from Sir George Magrath; Fossils, 
Minerals, Birds and Shells, Rev. W. S. Hore; Minerals, W. R. Newton, 
jun.; Land Shells of Devon and Cornwall, Rev. C. A. Johns; Coral, 
Lieut.-Col. H. Smith; Ornithorhynchus paradoxus, Capt. Smith; Fossils, 
Dr. ‘ripe; Birds, Mr. A. Pincombe; Birds, Rev. F. Lyte; Grasses, &c., 
Adj. Stevens, R.M. 
The Rev. C. A. Johns, F.L.S., rose and said, “ I cannot allow the even- 
ing to pass without proposing a resolution, which I am confident will meet 
with the cordial support of every Member present. We are all aware that 
the very being of a Natural History Society depends upon its Museum ; for 
without the opportunity of constantly referring to specimens, neither the 
tyro nor the proficient in natural history can expect to derive much benefit, 
Through the kindness of our numerous Members our Museum already con- 
tains a great number of specimens ; but this is not enough, for without order 
and arrangement their value is greatly diminished. ‘This desirable object 
was effected, so far as space would allow, in our late rooms, and for this we 
