25 



that by degrees a fine collection of valuable scientific books was 

 secured. A librarian was appointed to look after them and arrange 

 for their issue to members. There is often a reference to the 

 Library in the Annual Report, and the number of books in hand in 

 each year was : 



In 1887 — 223 books 

 „ 1888—254 „ 

 1889 — 280 „ 

 „ 1891—378 „ 



It is much to be regretted that the existing Society has not 

 come into possession of the excellent collections and books formed 

 by its predecessor. 



We notice that in the early days, conversaziones and exhibits 

 of specimens and scientific apparatus were generally held once a 

 year in some prominent building in the town, and doubtless were the 

 means of attracting public attention to the existence and the aims 

 of the Society. 



In the early years of the Society it was sometimes the practice 

 at a meeting not to have a formal lecture, but a subject was proposed 

 and a discussion on it took place among the members. 



In 1890, the Society had trouble as regards subscriptions, a 

 thing which is with us at the present day, and we find it recorded 

 that " In view of the difficulty of collecting subscriptions the Com- 

 mittee deemed it advisable to appoint Mr. Philo as collector. His 

 commission amounted to £1 19s. 5d. The subscriptions in arrears 

 thus collected amounted to ^5 5s od." 



In 1886 there was established the class or grade of " Honorary 

 Members," the qualification being apparently an annual payment of 

 one guinea to the Society. In 1894 tne grade of " Life Member " 

 was introduced, the qualification being a benefactor of the Society 

 in past years, by personal efforts. Such members were exempt 

 from payment of subscriptions. The old life member corresponds 

 to our present honorary member. 



In October, 1886, there was a discussion on " Vacation Work," 

 from which it may be inferred there was an interval, or interim 

 period, during which no meetings were held or lectures given. 



A copy of the rules of the Society, as standing good at the end 

 of 1892, is affixed to the minute book. 



In October, 1893, a Microscopical Section was formed. 



In November, 1894, a separate Photographic Society was 

 formed, and affiliated to the older Society, the Photographical 

 Section being held " in abeyance." The new Society was to pay 

 ;£io annually to the Society of Natural Science for the use of its 

 room. 



All the papers read before the Society during its existence have 

 been tabulated, but the detailed list is too long to reproduce here. 

 Suffice it to say, that the total number of papers (103) under the 



