YouK Council have great satisfaction in announcing the steady 
scientific progress and the continued financial prosperity of the 
Bristol [N'atukalists' Society. The proceedings of the past year 
fully jastify the most sanguine expectations of all friends and sup- 
porters of the society, and offer every encouragement and assurance 
for the future. 
The society numbers, at the completion of this its second year, 
not less than 214 ordinary, and 16 corresponding members. This 
considerable increase in the number of members is rendered still 
more significant by the regular attendance at the monthly meetings, 
which have maintained their high scientific character by a succession 
of papers of great interest and variety, as also by the animated 
discussions which have taken place on several occasions. 
The out-door gatherings on appointed excursion days have likewise 
been distinguished by the lively interest and pleasure, with which 
the members have attended in spite of unfavourable weather. 
The present report naturally commences with a reference to the 
minutes of the first annual meeting on May 8tli, 1863. In making 
its first retrospect, and passing in review the transactions of its first 
year of existence, the society was enabled to consider, in detail, its 
past operations and results. "Whilst noting with approval all that 
had borne the test of actual practice, the opportunity was taken to 
make such changes in organisation and management as appeared 
advisable. 
The advantage of such a retrospect has been amply proved by 
the experience of the present year. Amongst other improvements 
