64 
of the desirability of the Society’s Library being handed over 
to the Free Reference Library of the Corporation.” 
Only two of the 26 members present were in favour of Mr. 
Darbishire’s proposal, and a letter from Dr. Schunck was 
read also in favour ; but letters from Dr. Clay, Dr. Roscoe, 
Mr. W. H. Johnson, Mr. Cottam, and Mr. Baxendell were 
read against the proposal. 
Ordinary Meeting, February 8th, 1881. 
E. W. Binney, F.R.S., F.G.S., President, in the Chair. 
Mr. Lund, F.R.C.S., exhibited a new form of mercurial 
thermometer by Mr. Fraser, of Edinburgh. 
Mr. S. C. Trapp and Mr. W. H. Johnson were appointed 
Auditors of the Treasurer’s accounts. 
Ordinary Meeting, February 22nd, 1881. 
E. W. Binney, F.R.S., F.G.S., President, in the Chair. 
The President reminded the members present that yes- 
terday was the 100 th anniversary of the first meeting of 
the Society. 
Dr. Balfour Stewart, F.R.S., communicated the follow- 
ing letter from Mr. Herman Hager : — 
1, Derby Road, Fallowfield, 
February 8^A, 1881. 
Dear Dr. Stewart, 
I have found in Schultz Das Hofische Leben the following 
notes with regard to severe winters and famines : 
1100. Very severe winter, famine, great mortality. 
1111. Very severe winter, great famine and mortality. 
1115. Very severe winter. 
