2 A. LIVERSIDGE. 



of the Society, and some of the others are objects which I think 

 the members of this Society can do much to promote; such as the 

 introduction and improvement of science teaching in schools, the 

 use of the metric system of weights and measures, the preparations 

 for the International Catalogue of Scientific Literature, now being 

 published in London, and commercial education. 



Financial Position. — The Hon. Treasurer's Financial Statement 

 shows that the financial affairs of the Society are in a fairly satis- 

 factory condition. 



The Library. — From the Balance Sheet submitted this evening 

 it will be seen that a large proportion of our limited income 

 continues to be spent upon the Society's Library, viz., .£226 

 16s. 4d., of which £106 13s. 8d. was spent upon books and 

 periodicals, £79 8s. 6d. for binding, and £70 14s. 2d. for additional 

 shelving in the lower hall ; the Council rightly regards the 

 up-keep of the library as of the utmost importance ; a good 

 collection of current scientific literature is one of the greatest 

 necessaries of a society of this kind ; it is in fact absolutely 

 essential for its work and well being; fortunately numerous 

 Societies and Institutions, in all parts of the world, regularly 

 forward their publications in exchange for our annual volume, 

 but we still are much in need of funds to acquire the back num- 

 bers of many series, some of these are getting very scarce and 

 the prices will soon become prohibitive, especially now that so 

 many large libraries are being formed in America and elsewhere 

 by wealthy benefactors. Perhaps someone in New South Wales 

 will follow so good an example and earn the thanks of the 

 present and of future generations. 



Exchanges. — Last year we exchanged our journal with 421 

 kindred societies, receiving in return 224 volumes, 1669 parts, 85 

 reports, 263 pamphlets and 5 maps ; a total of 2246 publications. 



The following Institutions have been added to the Exchange 



list : — 



Australasian Institute of Mining Engineers, Melbourne. 



Botanic Gardens, Sydney. 



