COUNCIL FOR 1881 . 
13 
has been re-labelled and re-arranged. The two very large and 
important groups, comprised under Silica^ and Silicates^ have 
been entirely re-arranged under a system of classification which 
is mainly based upon that of Dana. A few of the worst speci¬ 
mens have been weeded ont, and in the case of the Micas, which 
were very deficient, a few fresh specimens have been added. 
It is intended to re-label the remainder of the collection, 
or a portion of it, during the present year, with such alterations 
in the arrangement as may be deemed necessary after due 
inspection. 
The CoiLiicil have very great pleasure in drawing attention 
to the fact that through the kindness of the Directors of the 
North Eastern Railway Company the extraordinary Meteorite 
which fell near Middlesboroiigh on the 14th March last, has 
been added to the Collection in the Society’s Museum. This 
is one of the most extraordinary ^rolites which has fallen in 
England during the present century, and has caused much 
observation and discussion among Scientific men. The subject 
has been more particularly noticed at one of the Monthly 
meetings of the Society, and the remarks then made will be 
published with this Report. 
METEOROLOGY. 
The weather of the past year has been in many respects 
remarkable. The temperature of the year was exceptionally 
high, especially during the winter months, so that flowers (Yiola, 
Autumn Stocks, Rose, Mignionette and Yeronicas) were in 
bloom in the gardens in November and December. 
Some severe gales occurred in October and November, the 
latter (on November 26th) being accompanied by thunder and 
lightning. There was also lightning on the 7th of March. 
The mean height of the Mercimal Column, duly corrected, 
was 29*928. The highest pressures occiuTed in April, Maj^, 
and October. The highest record was 30-733 on May 10th, 
and the lowest was 28*617 on October 14th. This gives a range 
of pressure during the year of 2*116. 
The mean shade temperature of the year was 46*8”, which 
is 1*3° above the preceding year, and above the average. The 
