Jlogal §0cutg of Victoria. 



AjSXIVEKSAEY ADDEESS 



OF 



tf&hz $resibent, 



Me. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.S., F.R.A.S., Government 



Astronomer. 



(Delivered to the Members of the Royal Society of Victoria, at their 

 Annual Conversazione, held August 23rd, 1880.) 



Gentlemen of the Royal Society, 



When we last met at a similar gathering to the present, 

 I told yon that the council was taking steps to carry out 

 certain alterations within this building, with the view of 

 affording more room, as well as of otherwise improving this 

 part of the house. These alterations, as you may now see, 

 have been completed, and we have, besides this well- 

 proportioned lecture-room, a large additional room beneath, 

 which adds very considerably and conveniently to the house 

 accommodation. Moreover, the rooms generally have been 

 renovated, and above all the exterior of the building, which 

 has for so long a time presented a somewhat shabby and 

 dilapidated appearance, has been thoroughly repaired, and 

 finished with stucco in a plain and substantial style. I am 

 glad to tell you that although this undertaking has 

 trenched heavily on our exchequer, and will hypothecate a 

 part of our next year's income, it will not leave us in any 

 serious debt. 



The Society entered on its twenty-third season in March 

 last, and it gives me pleasure to inform you that it is pro- 



