28 History of the Society. 



From nth to 13th September, 1883, the Cryptogamic 

 Society visited Dumfries, and, aided by our members, held an 

 exhibition in the Mechanics' Hall. In October, 1884, Joseph 

 Wilson, who proved an excellent Secretary, succeeded Mr J. 

 Rutherford in that capacity. On May 22nd, 1885, an 

 arrangement, prompted by the desire to house their museum, 

 was entered into, by which it was agreed that " our Society 

 should have the free use and occupancy of the Presbytery 

 House for fifteen years from Whitsunday, 1885, at the 



nominal rent of two shillings and sixpence per annum 



The repairs and furnishings to be made at the Society's 

 expense." These proved no slight affair, the cost amounting 

 to ;^ii3 9s 4d, of which the Presbytery contributed ^,21 9s gd. 

 A special collection levied from " Members and Friends of the 

 Society yielded ;^84 7s," and the balance came out of the 

 Society's funds. From November 20th, 1885, to April 9th, 

 1886, five intermediate lectures of a popular character were 

 delivered. 



Session 1886-1887. (No. 5.) [Vol. XL] 



The Transactions for this period were published in 1888. 

 The Session is remarkable for the Conversazione held in Grey- 

 friars' large Hall on 27th, 28th, and 2gth October, 1886. This 

 took the form of an exhibition of local Natural History speci- 

 mens, and objects relating to the Archaeology of the district. 

 The exhibit of Burns' relics proved extensive and important. 

 A nominal charge was made for admission, the takings 

 amounting to ;^20 13s 6d, the total expenditure to ;^i5 is 2^d. 

 The Society was fortunate this session in securing the valuable 

 Baxter bequest of minerals and coins. Joseph Wilson 

 resigned the Secretaryship in June, 1887, and was succeeded 

 by Robert Barbour. 



Sessions 1887-1888, 1888-1889, 1889-1890. (No. 6.) 

 [Vol. XH.] 



The Trcnisactions for these three Sessions were published 

 in one volume of two hundred and eighty-two pages in 1890. 

 Evidence is found in these pages that the reading of papers 

 was no longer confined to but a few Members, and the diver- 



