Annual Report. 7 



in last year's report, has enabled the Council to carry out the 

 much needed improvements to the Museum, so often deferred 

 for want of funds. Both the interior and exterior of the 

 building have been painted and renovated, whilst new cases 

 have been added to the Benn Room, in which all the Irish 

 antiquities of the Society are now placed. The lower portions 

 of the cases in the Thompson Room have been fitted with 

 glass fronts, and the Clermont collection of Irish birds arranged 

 therein. 



The Council, considering that it would be for the 

 advantage of the Society that their friends and the public of 

 Beltast should have an opportunity of seeing the improved 

 condition of the Museum, and the recent valuable donations 

 given to them, invited the members, and a large additional 

 number of ladies and gentlemen interested in the work and 

 aims of the Society, to a conversazione, held on November 2nd, 

 1887, in the Museum. Many valuable works of art and objects 

 of scientific interest were kindly lent by members and friends, 

 whilst the various collections of the Society were inspected 

 with much interest in their improved condition. A choice 

 selection of music was rendered during the evening by the 

 kindness of some members of the Belfast Musical Society. 



A marked increase has taken place in the number of 

 shareholders and subscribers during the past session. Although 

 the financial condition of the Society shows a small balance 

 due to the treasurer, as may be seen from his report, this is 

 explained by the amount of money expended on the necessary 

 improvements, which it was considered advisable to do in a 

 complete manner, and so avoid a similar expenditure for many 

 years to come. 



Your Council have relet the room known as the Library to 

 the Ulster Medical Society for one year, reserving access to 

 the books for the members at all times. The other societies 

 holding their meetings in the Museum continue to do so. 



Your Council arranged to open the Museum on Easter 

 Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at a nominal charge. With 

 the kind assistance of some friends, including the Belfast 



