XXXIV RKPORT OF THK COUNCIL 



44, whilst at the attractive "museum talks," given by the 

 Curator, it fell slightly below 24. Informal meetings in the 

 evenings were held monthly during the winter. The thanks 

 of the Society are given to those lecturers who so generously 

 gave their services to help in making the series a success. 



The arrangement has been continued by means of which 

 children attending the Newcastle Council Schools had the 

 opportunity of visiting the Museum in classes. It is a 

 matter of regret that there is a decrease in the number 

 of those who take advantage of this scheme and that the 

 systematic plan of work drawn up for their help is no longer 

 followed. On the other hand it is satisfactory to report that 

 boys of the Royal Grammar School come regularly to the 

 Museum under the arrangement made with the Head Master, 

 and follow, as far as time permits, a course of work which it 

 is hoped and believed is tending to develop their power of 

 observation and their taste for natural history. 



The exhibit of wild flowers has been continued and proves 

 each year more successful. Many visitors come regularly to 

 inspect the plants and to seek help in the identification of 

 specimens which they have met with in the field. 



The Society has been unfortunate in losing several of its old 

 and valued members by death ; Lady Armstrong, wife of a 

 former President, and the Hon. Drever Joicey, son of the 

 present President ; Sir John Swinburne, Bart., who joined in 

 1864; Mr. M. Havelock in 1862; Alderman Geo. Harkus in 

 1885, and others who loyally supported the Society for many 

 years. 



No transactions have been published during the year. 

 There are now several papers in hand, which will appear in due 

 course. Good progress is being made with some sections of 

 the card catalogue of local natural history. The Rev. J. E. 

 Hull in particular has prosecuted his share of this work with 

 much energy, and has completed the sections dealing with 

 spiders, harvestmen {Opiiio/ies), beetle mites and several other 

 groups. 



