139 
valuable aid to the Institute’s work). Twenty thousand copies 
of the Institute’s publications have been published within the 
last few months. Thirdly, to establish agencies in the larger 
towns of the United Kingdom, so that the publications might 
be more easily procured by the general public. Fourthly, 
to increase the number of foreign correspondents and local 
honorary secretaries at home and abroad. 
More would have been done last year to extend the Institute’s 
work, now so necessary, and for which the opportunity is so 
favourable, but that the funds — even with the small amount 
charged to salax-ies since 1870 (from £32 to £39 per annum) 
— did not admit of it. 
16. The results of the sales of the Institute’s Publications 
have again doubled, as has been the case in each succeeding 
year since 1870. 
Conclusion . 
17. As regards the work in which the Institute is engaged, 
it is eminently satisfactory to see the important place given to 
Scientific Research during the past two years, and the en- 
couragement it receives from many governments, notably in 
the case of the late transit, in urging adequate preparations for 
observing which, this Institute had the privilege of joining 
with them. The progress of Science, in the development of 
scientific facts, is the surest mode of preventing that antago- 
nism between the Book of Nature and the Book of Revela- 
tion which obtains when scientific conjecture takes the place of 
accurate inquiry. 
18. Finally, the Council desires to state that the thorough 
efficiency of the work of the Institute is most important, 
and the present Members and Associates may greatly con- 
tribute thereto by introducing new Members and Associates; 
the future of the Victoria Institute rests in no small degree 
with its present supporters ; and that it ought to be no 
small Society, considering the interests at stake, and the 
important objects which it seeks to accomplish, all will 
acknowledge; — that it was needed and can do good service has 
been fully proved. 
Signed on behalf of the Council, 
SHAFTESBURY, President. 
Tbe following Balance-sheet was then read : — 
