iSatural Histwy Society. 239 



In surrendering the important intere-sts ^vvhich have during the 

 past year been confided to them, your Council experience much 

 satisfaction in reviewing the activity and energy of the Society. 

 A measure of progress has marked the history of this valuable In- 

 stitution — an accession of scientific talent has been acquired, and 

 mucli important literary and other labour has been undertaken. 

 As the coming year appeal's destined to be one of considerable 

 promise in promoting the aims of the Society, your Coimcil beg- 

 to express a hope that its zeal and energy in the cause and pro- 

 motion of Science may be crowned with complete success, and 

 naay largely contribute to foster that spirit of earnest investigation 

 into the phenomena of nature which so eminently distinguishes 

 the present a2:e. 



In conclusion, the Council have to express their gratitude for 

 the liberal aid given by the Government in consideration of the 

 invitation extended to the American Association. The Council 

 recommend that a portion of this sum be expended in arranging 

 and improving the Museum, in providing an entertainment for 

 one of the evenings of the meeting, and that the balance be 

 reserved for any aid that the Society may be called upon to con- 

 tribute towards the success of the meeting. 



A Report from the Treasurer showing a balance in hand ofovei- 

 ten pounds was also read ; as was a Report from the Curator of 

 the Museum, on the state of the Society's collection, and the do- 

 nations made to it during the past year. 



On motion of Dr. Barnston, seconded by Dr. Jones, it was re- 

 solved that the Reports now read be received and adopted, and 

 referred to the Council for early publication. 



ELECTIOX or OPFICE -BEARERS. 



The President having appointed Drs. Fras^ and Barnston as 

 Scrutineers, the meeting proceeded to ballot for Office Bearers 

 and Council. The following was declared the result : — 



President, J. W. Dawson ; 1st Yice-President, L. A. H. La- 

 tour ; 2nd Vice-President, Sir W. E. Logan ; 3rd Yice-President, E, 

 Billings; Corresponding Secretary, W. Hingston, M. D. ; Record- 

 ing Secretary, A. X. Rennie ; Treasurer, James Ferrier, jr. 



Cabinet Keeper and Librarian — Jas. Barnston, M. D. 



Members of Council. — Rev. A. F, Kemp, Dr. Fraser, Rev. A. 

 DeSola, Dr. Jones, and H. Chapman. 



