44 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE. 



As a further consequence of the projected amalgamation 

 and the resulting modification in the constitution of the 

 Society some alteration of the rules will be required. Apart 

 from this, moreover, it has been evident for some time that 

 the existing rules, last revised in 1877, were becoming in- 

 applicable to the recent developments of the Society's work ; 

 and your Committee have therefore thought it desirable that 

 a new set of rules should be drawn up. This has been done; 

 and the proposed rules, as adopted by your Committee for 

 recommendation to the members, will be brought before the 

 Annual Meeting for approval. With this view, copies of the 

 rules so adopted are sent out with this report. 



A list of members is also circulated with the report; it 

 includes the names of those who will be introduced on the 

 terms of the proposed amalgamation of the Field Club. The 

 Secretaries will be glad to be informed of any inaccuracies in 

 the list. 



Another matter which was referred to in the last report, 

 namely, the proposal to co-operate more closely with the 

 Durham College of Science in the teaching of natural history 

 subjects, has again received much consideration, and a sugges- 

 tion to erect a block of laboratories in connection with the 

 museum for the teaching of botany, geology, and zoology has 

 been fully discussed and approved by a majority of your Com- 

 mittee. It is understood, however, that the College authorities 

 have now definitely abandoned the scheme, finding it more 

 practicable to make provision for the natural history class 

 rooms and laboratories in the new buildings about to be 

 added to the College. In the interests of natural history, 

 both local and general, as well as in the interest of a much 

 extended sphere of usefulness for our Society, the failure of 

 this scheme is to be regretted ; but it is hoped that owing to 

 the discussions which have taken place on the subject, a 

 cordial and active co-operation for the spread of natural 

 history between the College and our Society will have been 

 created. 



The number of competitors for the Hancock Prize has for 



