FIFTY- THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, 59 



gratulated on the ingenuity of one of its members in rendering 

 such effective national service. 



The revision of the collections, and preparation of the new 

 Catalogue, has been steadily proceeded with by the Curator. 

 All the botanical slides, and the zoological sections up to the 

 ■Crustacea, have been dealt with, and a revised manuscript 

 catalogue is now at the disposal of members for reference. It 

 is interesting to note how well some of the preparations have 

 stood the test of time, many of them mounted forty to fifty 

 years ago being still in perfect condition. During the past 

 few years many gaps have been filled up in groups formerly 

 unrepresented, although there are a good many shortcomings 

 still to remedy; the kind generosity of members may be ap- 

 pealed to for this purpose. Sections of all Invertebrates, and 

 preparations illustrative of mitosis, would be especially welcome. 



A considerable number of members have of late expressed 

 a wish that ladies should be eligible as visitors at the meetings, 

 and also be admitted as members. This, though formerly 

 thought undesirable, would evidently be in accord with modern 

 tendencies, most of the Scientific Societies having adopted the 

 course suggested. The Committee on examining the rules found 

 that the step was not in any way forbidden; and the matter 

 being put to the vote, a large majority were in favour of the 

 procedure. 



Another noteworthy circumstance that occurred just at the 

 end of the year is that it appears the Club will have to look 

 for a new home ; the landlords having given notice that the 

 tenancy which expires next Midsummer will not be renewed. 

 The Hon. Secretary, to his great regret, has felt it necessary to 

 ask the Committee to accept his resignation, as probably he 

 will be leaving London before the end of the Session, most 

 likely for a considerable time. He would like to remind members 

 that the war has been creating difficulties through almost the 

 entire period during which he has been in office. The Club may 

 be congratulated on having without delay found a most efficient 

 substitute, with whose assistance it may well anticipate that 

 its progress will be assured and enhanced. 



As in past years the thanks of all are due to Mr, Bestow 

 and Mr, Gardner for the help they have given to the Curator in 

 his arduous duties ; and to Mr. Offord for the large amount of 



