41 
^* Starch" and " Raphides." One feature worthy of particular notice in 
the transactions of this Section, is the preparation of a considerable num- 
ber of plants for the Society's herbarium. 
Besides the special business meetings of the several Sections, a general 
meeting for the financial account of each Section, and for the election of 
officers, has been regularly held, in accordance with the rules. 
III. The Excursions of the General Society 
Were three in number, namely, to Clevedon, Cheddar, and Dundry and 
Chew Magna. These excursions were well attended, and proved very 
successful, as well in respect to their scientific interest as to the cordial 
unanimity of feeling with which they were carried out. 
IV. Publication of Proceedings. 
Every member of the Society has received during the year, a printed 
copy of the Honorary Reporting Secretary's abstract of proceedings at 
the various excursions and meetings, in the order of their occurrence. 
And recently an enlarged and corrected Report published in pamphlet form, 
has been distributed in accordance with the minute of the general meet- 
ing of the Society, held on the 5th of April last. This report will be in 
future continued in the same regular form and type, and the Society may 
now be congratulated on having attained the great desideratum of regu- 
larly published proceedings. A still more important undertaking, the pro- 
gramme of which was given in the last annual report, and which was intended 
to come out in parts, demands a few words of explanation on account of the 
delay which has occurred in its issue. Considerable preparation has been 
made, and as the Council recognise at each step in this preparation the 
magnitude of the labour before them, it has been considered desirable to 
avoid any too hasty publication which might leave the work incomplete. 
The first number to be issued involves a complete reconsideration of cer- 
tain debated questions of the geology of the neighbourhood, the settle- 
ment of which demands time and patience, and fresh investigation. The 
Council have also to take into consideration the financial prospects, upon 
which such a publication can be attempted. 
V. Library. 
In accordance with the expressed wish of several members, the forma^ 
tion of a library has been commenced. The sum of M13 6s. 6d. is now 
in the hands of the Treasurer. And the following list of books, partly 
