88 



was evidently an animal to be feared and by no means to be taken 

 without considerable danger. There is a tremendous amount of 

 literature concerning his adventures and his history, which, at all 

 events, I will not trouble you with to-night, only remarking that 

 he may think himself highly honoured to Hve in an age, where we 

 consider him of sufficient importance to be a supporter of the 

 British Crown. 



A short discussion ensued, after which a vote of thanks was 

 accorded to Mr. Gell ; the Rev. W. Hall complimenting him on 

 this, his first essay, before the Society. 



Tuesday, December 19th. 



The annual meeting was called for this evening, but owing to 

 the small number present (the weather being very tempestuous), 

 and to the absence of the Secretary, through illness, it was thought 

 advisable to postpone the usual business until January. The re- 

 port will, therefore, be found in next year's " Proceedings." 



Notes on the Weather for 1893. 



Kindly drawn up by Mr, J. Stainer. 



The following is the Monthly Rainfall. 



January .,.1-73 inches July 3*26 inches 



February ...4-10 



March 0-63 



April 0-00 



May 0-91 



June 0-72 



August l-2o 



September... 5-06 



October 5-02 



November ...4 61 

 December ...2-22 

 For the year 29.50. 



METEOROLOGY, 1893. 



The weather of 1893 was in some respects unique. If the paro- 

 dox may be allowed, it always is. Such is the delightful uncer- 

 tainty of the English climate that it is sure to beat the record at 

 some point during the twelve months. It will be either warmer or 

 colder in January than it ever was before since trustworthy records 

 have been kept. Or it will be wetter or drier in February than 

 it was in the past. Or March will be abnormally still when strong 

 winds ought to blow, and perhaps we have to make fires to warm 

 our rooms in June because of the cold, and put them out in Decern- 



