28i



REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR


1899-1900.


The membership during the past j^ear has remained

practically stable, although there is a slight increase—thirty-five

new members have been elected, and the number now on the roll

is 270.


The }^ear was started with a deficit of ^12, which, it was

hoped, might have been wiped off by voluntary subscription ;

this, however, has not been quite possible, and there still remains

a deficit from last year of £\. The Council desire to tender

their best thanks to those who have so kindly helped to wipe off

this debt, and if there are any more who would like to help, they

are reminded that it is not too late to do so.


During the present year the Magazine has been somewhat

enlarged, with the result that we have, unfortunate^, again

exceeded our income. After most careful consideration, we have

decided that, in order to prevent a further recurrence of deficit,

the annual subscription must be raised to 10/- This we have

been compelled to do, as even were the size of the Magazine

diminished, there would still be a deficit on the coloured plates,

the originals of which were this year kindly presented to the

Society. We might point out to members that when the

subscription was raised before, in order that coloured plates

might be supplied to all members, it was shewn (Avicultural

Magaiine, vol. IV., p. 201) that the extra 2/6 would not fully

cover expenses, and that a large increase in membership was

expected, which expectation has not been realized.


Two medals have been issued during the year : to Mr. R.

Phirripps, for breeding the Black Lark ; and to the Rev. C. D.

Farrar, for breeding the Nonpareil. Mr. Firrmer has been

strongly advocating the inclusion of Quadrupeds, Canaries, etc.,

in the scope of the Magazine ; but, as we believe this to be

greatly against the general wish of the members, his suggestion

has not been followed. Miss Hadow kindly presented to the

Society the first three volumes of the Magazine, which have been

sold.


Many thanks are due to all those members who have

kindly contributed articles or letters to the Magazine, and we

hope that during the ensuing year many others may be stimu¬

lated by their good example and strive to emulate them.



