xiv PROCEEDINGS OE THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
levied upon and paid by the Society in past years in respect of 
rates, which should have been paid by Her Majesty’s Commissioners, 
and which they have repaid to the Society. 
The Council hope to be able to continue and extend the opera¬ 
tion of the arrangement with the debenture-holders referred to in 
their recent circular. 
During the past year 255 new Fellows and 231 guinea Members 
were elected ; 79 Fellows resigned, and 60 Fellows died. 
In conclusion the Council earnestly urge upon the Fellows the 
imperative necessity of using every effort to increase their numbers, 
so as to comply with the condition imposed by the last agreement 
with Her Majesty’s Commissioners, and secure their tenure of the 
South Kensington Gardens and the emancipation of the Society from 
its difficulties. 
