120 The Twenty -first General Meeting. 



"And here it seems fitting to say that surely no Archaeological 

 Society in England can hold its meeting this year without referring 

 to the loss which the great cause of antiquities has sustained in the 

 death of Mr. Albert Way. As the recognized founder of the "Royal 

 Archaeological Institute/'' as for many years the editor of its admi- 

 rable Journal, as the conductor of its operations whether during its 

 sessions in London, or during its annual congress at one or other 

 of the principal cities in the provinces ; but above all as the ever- 

 ready and courteous adviser, to whom all enquirers might apply for 

 information, and from whose copious stores of antiquarian knowledge 

 in every branch of the subject, many of us have from time to time 

 derived much valuable instruction, and many useful suggestions, 

 Mr. Albert Way stood alone ; so that to those who did not enjoy his 

 personal acquaintance, his loss seems that of a private friend, as well 

 as that of the chief referee and leader in the archaeological world. 



" To return to our report of this Society during the last twelve- 

 month. 



" Since we met last j^ear at Swindon, we have lost by death four 

 original members, viz., Mr. W. F. Lawrence, Mr. James Noyes, 

 Mr. J. G. Nicholls, and Dr. Thurnam. Of the loss which this 

 Society has sustained by the death of the last-named accomplished 

 antiquarian, mention has been already made in the Magazine in the 

 form of a short memoir; but the Committee cannot now allude to 

 his decease, without repeating the most sincere expressions of regret, 

 and their deep sense of his value as an archaeologist of European 

 reputation. 



" With regard to finance, our balance in hand now amounts to 

 £359 8s. Id., which is an apparent decrease on last year's balance of 

 £17 lis. lid., but inasmuch as during the year we have expended 

 some £50 for furniture, and some £28 for books, beyond our ordinary 

 outlay, it will be seen that our balance-sheet is, in reality, highly 

 satisfactory. 



" Then as regards the expenditure for Museum and Library, which 

 is an account wholly distinct from the general fund of the Society, 

 the subscription list amounts to £1117 3*., very nearly all of which 

 has been received, and of this £1110 17<s. 7d. has been expended, 



