HISTORY OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 235 
because it lacked that which, as long as man inhabits the 
earth, will always be found useful, the direct patronage 
and assistance of those who have it in their power to do 
that which men in the ordinary ranks of life, however 
talented or however well disposed, cannot do.”’ 
It refers to the endeavours of . . . “‘the old floral Com- 
mittee to gratify the people and encourage the growth of 
colonial produce.’”’ Also to “‘an improvement on the old 
system in the place of meeting, no longer confined to the 
eternal gyration of the market shed, up one side and down 
the other’... . (This, of course, refers to the proposed 
holding of the Shows in the Botanic Gardens, whereas, 
previously they were held in the Old Markets). The com- 
pany who attend the exhibitions will have the enjoyment 
of the beautiful scenery of the Botanic Gardens, than which 
no spot in the British Dominions has more claim to praise 
or better deserves admiration.”’ 
Tam much obliged to Mr. Hugh Wright, Librarian of the 
Mitchell Library, for his kindness in helping me to hunt up 
the newspaper references. 
In the minutes of the Committee of Management of the 
Botanic Gardens we find (and I am indebted to Mr. Robert 
Ktheridge, Curator of the Australian Museum, for the 
reference), that on 12th August, 1848, the Society applied 
to hold its monthly meetings in the ‘Committee Room of 
the Museum.’ Approved, when room is completed. 
On 21st September of the same year it was decided to 
give permission to the Society to hold meetings in the 
Botanic Gardens. 
In Scott’s ‘“* New South Wales Sporting Magazine,’ No. 
2, Vol. 1, November 1848, will be found a critical and 
interesting account of the first exhibition of the Australian 
(should be Australasian, as already explained) Botanic and 
