REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 



April 29, 1879. 



Before commencing the ordinary topics of their Report 

 upon the progress of the Society during the year 1878, 

 the Council feel that an allusion should be made to the 

 serious loss the Society has suffered since its last Anni- 

 versary by the death of the late President, the Marquis 

 of Tweeddale. The late Marquis, as the Fellows are well 

 aware, was preeminently suited not only by his social 

 position, but also by his attainments as a naturalist and 

 his business-Uke habits, to be the President of the Society; 

 and to fill the post thus vacated (as it was incumbent on 

 the Council to do according to the Charter and Bye-laws) 

 was by no means an easy task. In selecting for this high 

 Office, however, the name of Prof. Flower, one of the 

 most distinguished zoologists of the present day, and for 

 many years a most active and efficient Vice-President of 

 the Society, the Council feel sure that they will receive the 

 approbation of the Fellows, and that their choice will be 

 duly ratified by the ballot to be taken this day. 



Having said thus much, the Council proceed to the 

 usual subjects of their Report. These, in accordance 

 with previous Reports, are divided into three heads, the 

 first of which relates to the General Condition of the 

 Society, the second to the operations carried on at the 

 Office in Hanover Square, and the last to the state of the 

 Gardens in the Regent's Park. 



I. GENERAL CONDITION OF THE SOCIETY. 

 1. State of the Roll op Members. 



a. Fellows and Annual Subscribers. 



The number of Fellows, Fellows Elect, and Annual 



a3 



