Proceedings, &c. xlv 



gentlemen have been addressed on this subject, but as yet, scarcely 

 a sufficiency of time has elapsed, to ascertain whether this call will 

 meet with so general a response, as to enable the Society to resume 

 the issue of its publications from this source. 



Still, a hope is cherished by the Council, that the disinterested 

 desire of the Society, to evoke, to strengthen, and to discuss scientific 

 enquiries in this country, will be acknowledged ; that one of its 

 principal objects, to aid thereby in the development of the resources 

 of our territory will be appreciated, and that those who owe to 

 Victoria their prosperity, will not withhold a tribute of gratitude to 

 this Society, by whose exertions her credit is so largely upheld 

 through its contact with scientific communities abroad, and by whom 

 also the natural wealth, the climatic advantages, and the facilities 

 of settlement in this our adopted country are so widely made known 

 beyond her boundaries. Whatever may be the response to this 

 appeal, the Council express a hope, that the principle enunciated 

 will be maintained, and that finally, the Society will thereby be 

 placed in such a position, as to become independent of the subsidies 

 formerly granted to it from the revenue of the State. Meanwhile 

 the Council has brought the financial position of the Society under 

 the notice of the Government, and has solicited aid for the printing 

 of a number of valuable papers, read before the Society, during the 

 sessions of 1861, 1862, and 1863. 



By adopting a system of economy, as rigorous as may be consistent 

 with the efficiency of the Society, it is to be hoped that the future 

 Council will find itself able to carry on its routine work and the 

 publications of future new essays from its own resources, should the 

 measures initiated by the Council, for the establishment of a pub- 

 lishing fund, be attended with success. 



During this year, ninety-three publications and thirteen maps or 

 plans were received from kindred institutions or private donors. 



The Society continued to enjoy the most cordial support of its 

 enlightened Patron and President, Sir Henry Barkly, throughout the 

 period of His Excellency's stay amongst us, and it is gratifying to 

 be assured of his future co-operation and sympathy. 



The Council have the honour to record that His Excellency Sir 

 Charles Darling, K.C.B., &c. &c. &c, has been pleased to accept the 

 position of Patron of this Society. 



Under a recently introduced rule, a Honorary Librarian, and a 

 Honorary Custos of the Collections, have been appointed, an arrange- 

 ment by which hereafter the labours hitherto devolving on the office 

 of the Honorary Secretary will to some extent be lessened. 



By the issue of its final report, the Exploration Committee has 

 brought its long protracted work of anxiety and responsibility to a 

 close during this session. 



