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twelve months upon which they have an opportunity of making suggestions, 
I would suggest that they should receive longer previous notice when the 
meeting is to take place. No doubt we all know that it takes place at a 
fixed time ; but people may forget that, and be occupied with other things, 
which may drive the General Meeting of the Victoria Institute out of their 
heads. It so happens that through some 07ersight I did not receive notice 
till Saturday last that this meeting was about to take place. I do not say 
this, however, to find fault, but I think it desirable that members should in 
future receive a clear week or ten days’ notice of what is the most important 
meeting of the Victoria Institute during the year. 
Mr. Reddie. — Allow me to explain that we have certainly given more 
than a week’s notice of this meeting to the members generally. Dr. 
Haughton, residing at Malvern, and having changed his residence there, has 
unfortunately not received his notice so early, probably on that account, or 
the post-office may have been at fault ; but at any rate I am glad at the 
unexpected pleasure of seeing him here. In addition to the individual 
notices, we have also advertised the meeting ; but in future I shall take care 
that notices are sent out as early as possible. But I cannot quite account 
for his circular being so long undelivered. 
Dr. Haughton. — I received this only on Saturday; and I hope you won’t 
think that because members reside in the country, they take less interest in 
the Institute than members residing in town. In fact, it is mainly to be 
present at this meeting that I have come 120 miles. 
Mr. Reddie. I am informed by the clerk, that all the notices were duly 
despatched to all members in the United Kingdom more than a week ago, 
but those in town were posted first. I beg leave to observe, that this is just 
the time when any member who has any suggestion to make as regards the 
affairs of the Society should do so. It is usual to discuss such matters before 
the Address is delivered. 
Professor Macdonald.— I may say that I hare been more fortunate in 
gettmg my notice of this meeting, and I have come 450 miles in order to 
attend it. 
The Chairman. I should be happy to hear any suggestions or observa- 
tions that any member may please to make, before calling upon the Hon. 
Secretary to read the Annual Address. 
Professor Macdonald.— Would you allow me to suggest to the Council 
to take into consideration, as you are unable to fulfil at present both the 6th 
and 7th Objects of the Society, whether at least the 6th Object might not be 
immediately put in force. I believe nothing would encourage the increase of 
new members more effectively than the publication of some valuable scientific 
work bearing upon our objects, by our continental neighbours. I think this 
would be a far better investment for the funds of the Society than any Joint 
Stock Company, however limited. (Laughter.) 
Mi. Reddie. I may explain, as regards the learned Professor’s suggestion, 
that we are most anxious to be able to start with the translation of a book ; 
ut, in the first place, it is difficult to get a volunteer to give us a translation, 
