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jNE of the main objects for which the Wiltshire Archaeological 

 H| and Natural History Society was established, was the formation 

 of a County Museum and Library, and this object has never been lost 

 sight of by the Council. Several years ago, an attempt was made 

 to obtain some ground for building ; but about the same time, the 

 room at the Devizes Savings Bank was offered, which being then 

 considered sufficient for the purpose, the project for building was 

 abandoned. For some years past, it has been apparent, that this 

 accommodation was too limited for the purposes of the Society, and 

 much valuable property has been stowed away elsewhere. The im- 

 portance of obtaining more suitable premises has been frequently 

 urged in the annual reports ; but the opportunity did not occur until 

 last year, when the Grammar School property situated in Long 

 Street, Devizes, was purchased by Mr. Jackson, with the under- 

 standing that the Society should have the offer of a portion of it 

 for their Museum and Library. Accordingly a sub-committee was 

 appointed to treat with him on the matter, and at the annual 

 adjourned meeting, held on January 23rd last, the High Sheriff, (J. 

 G. W. Spicer, Esq.) in the chair, it was resolved unanimously, that 

 the premises should be purchased for the sum of £620, according to 

 the recommeudation of the Council, provided the necessary funds 

 could be raised, (together with an additional sum of about £300 for 

 alterations, &c.,) on or before February 24th, 1872. 



The response which the gentlemen of the county made to this 

 appeal was very gratifying, and by the day named the sum of £934 

 had been promised. 



Annexed are plans of the premises which are now the property 

 of the Trustees of the Society, The entrance will be from the 

 street. The ground-floor will be a Vestibule and lower Museum, 

 and on the upper floor will be the Library (fronting the street) and 



