COUNCIL FOR 1870 . 
9 
Under these circumstances the Council resolved to efiPect a 
sale of the Tropical Plants, and for the present to devote the 
Conservatories to the rearing of the particular class of plants 
stated. 
By this means the Council have been enabled to allow 
Mr. Baines to retain his present salary, after many years of 
faithful services, dating from a period shortly subsequent to the 
formation of the Society, whilst securing increased attention to 
the grounds of the Museum, a result which the Council hope 
the Members of the Society will approve, at the sacrifice of a 
small collection of plants, of some beauty, but of little scientific 
value. 
The accounts of the Society for the year 1870 disclose a 
a favourable state of the finances. 
The balance due to the Treasurer has been reduced from 
<£350 5s. 2d., as shown in the accounts for 1869, to £122 Is. 6d. 
in the year past; but when it is considered that this result is 
obtained by the saving of £100 in respect of the Keeper’s 
salary, and that an excess of income of £57 Is. 3d. arises from 
the sale of the Tropical Plants, it will at once be seen that this 
diminution arises chiefiy from the causes above stated. 
The accounts for the year in other respects show a not 
unfavourable condition of affairs. 
The Grate Eeceipts for the past year show a sum of £242 
against £225 for the previous year; the number of strangers 
visiting the Gfrounds having been far above the average; the 
Continental War, no doubt, having induced a great number of 
persons to travel over their native land, who would otherwise 
have spent their holiday on the Continent. 
In other respects the variable income of the Society is rather 
above than below the average. 
The gain to the Society, by the admission of New Members, 
is 17, against 6 lost to the Society during the past year by 
death or resignation. Eight Lady Subscribers were admitted 
during the past year, being a gain of 4 in respect of the year. 
The Treasurer’s Account will be appended to this Eeport. 
B 
