314 SPRING MEETING. 



During the afternoon the following reply was received : — 

 " Sir Edwin and Lady Durning-Lawrence thank their friends 

 very much for their sympathy, and heartily recijirocate kind 

 wishes and send greetings." 



Jjetters of apology were also received from the Rev. Sir 

 Vyell Vyvyan, Bart., Rev. Canon S. R. Flint, Dr. J. Clark, Dr. 

 R. Pearce, Capt, Rogers, R.A., Messrs. Robert Fox, James 

 Osborne, C.E., W. N. Carne, and F. H. Davey, F.L.S. 



Mr. Enys said : Shortly after our meeting in December last it 

 was announced that one of our members, Mr. T. V. Keam, a 

 native of Truro, but one who had spent some 30 years in the 

 United States, had died and left a legacy to the Institution, 

 which when realized would be worth probably from £4,000 to 

 £5,000. Mr Keam took a great interest in the Institution and 

 presented many valuable gifts to the museum. During his last 

 visit to this country he frequently visited the museum and made 

 valuable suggestions as to improvements that might be made. 



Many persons have naturally inquired as to the purpose to 

 which this money will be applied. Some have suggested 

 extension of our premises ; but with additional premises there 

 would of necessity be additional expense, and the income of the 

 ■ Institution is not sufficient for the proper maintenance of the 

 present building. It would be very unwise, therefore, to under- 

 take any furthei' liability such as would be caused by an 

 additional building without a corresponding increase in our 

 income. Under all the circumstances, therefore, the Council 

 think that the legacy when received should be invested and 

 known as the "Keam" Fund, and the interest applied for the 

 purpose of general maintenance. 



But it is now recognised that museums play an important 

 part in the general education of the people. In this county the 

 Royal Institution has proved itself of great benefit to the 

 community, several thousands of persons annually availing 

 themselves of its advantages. 



In order that the usefulness of the museum as an educational 

 institution may be further increased to meet growing demands, 

 and with a view to the proper accommodation of the valuable 

 collections that have accumulated since our foundation in 1818, 



