10 



appeared to be good reason for looking with confidence to 

 the future. 



This brings me to the period more directly under our 

 notice this evening. 



Since our last Annual Meeting we have elected 52 

 members, many of them men of repute and considerable 

 experience in various branches of Natural History ; happily, 

 death has caused no breach in our ranks ; there have been but 

 3 resignations, and 3 names have been written off, so that our 

 membership at the present moment stands at 101, a total 

 with which we have every reason to be satisfied for the time 

 being. 



The Treasurer's balance, as you have already heard from 

 the statement that he has so clearly put before you, compares 

 favourably with last year, and the finances of the Society 

 continue to maintain a thoroughly sound condition. 



The Rules of the Society have, from time to time, been 

 modified in some particulars to meet the requirements of our 

 altered circumstances ; they are, I believe, now out of print, 

 and I would suggest that their revision, as a whole, might, 

 with advantage, receive the early attention of the Council 

 with a view to their presentation to a special meeting for 

 confirmation, pending a re-issue. 



The improved attendance of members at our meetings 

 continues, and much business of an interesting character 

 has been transacted. The Exhibits also have been more 

 numerous, and have included objects of considerable interest 

 in various branches of Natural History, and in many cases 

 the reading of short notes has materially added to their 

 importance. I cannot too highly commend this practice. Often 

 an Exhibit that in itself appears to have little to recom- 

 mend it, and which may even be passed over comparatively 

 unobserved by the bulk of those present, will, when particulars 

 concerning it are known, become of some scientific value, and 

 induce discussion that is calculated to throw light upon 

 matters, producing results otherwise unattainable ; and I 

 venture to think that those who are good enough to favour 



