INTRODUCTION* 
XVII 
equal in most, and in many parts superior to 
66 any other similar Collection, which any of 
“ them have had opportunities of viewing in 
cc this and other Countries: and that, upon 
ec accurate examination, they had estimated the 
“ value of it at <£13,727*” — This sum was 
accordingly voted and proper tables are now 
making for exhibiting the most ostensible part 
of the Collection in the great Saloon. 
fi —ADDITIONS MADE BY THE TRUST . 
Thus far have we commemorated the muni¬ 
ficence of our late and present most gracious 
Sovereigns individually, and of the Legislature 
collectively, towards establishing and extending 
this national Institution, which will, no doubt, 
be allowed to reflect great honour upon the 
country at large, and from which men of letters, 
artists, and even mechanics of all descriptions, 
have derived, and continue to derive, most 
essential advantages in their respective pursuits* 
Our next duty is briefly to state what the 
Trustees, in their corporate capacity, have 
effected towards the further increase of the 
establishment committed to their care. If in 
recording their various acquisitions, we have not 
D objects 
