34 
PROCEEDINGS RELATIVE 
space w hich it affords, is, in the opinion of the Subcommittee, 
neither more nor less than what the Institution ought to 
have ; and that the arrangement of it is such as will be both 
commodious and handsome. 
But before the sanction of the Committee to this plan and 
elevation can be asked, it will be requisite to slate the 
expense at which the execution of it has been estimated. 
It is proposed by the Subcommittee to build by contract ; 
to consider the specifications maturely, and abide by them 
rigidly ; to receive tenders for the work ; to require security 
from the contractors; and to provide for such a vigilant 
superintendence as may ensure the due performaace of the 
contracts. The estimate now laid before the Meeting, is 
calculated upon this basis. It is an estimate of a sum, 
which, in the Architects’ judgment, will cover the tenders to 
be expected at the present prices of materials and labour. 
Its amount is Five thousand six hundred and fifty pounds ; 
beino* three hundred pounds more than the funds which have 
been as yet subscribed. 
The Subcommittee are well aware, that it is not advisable 
to lay out upon the Building the entire Subscription, much 
less to exceed it : they would greatly desire to have a surplus 
of one or two thousand pounds, for fencing the three acres of 
ground which the Crown has granted to the Society, for 
making the road from the new entrance promised by the 
Corporation, and for furnishing the Museum ; but they trust 
that sucli a surplus may yet be obtained, without retrenching 
from the present plan : they find, on the rene.wal of their 
appUcations to the County for further Subscriptions, addi¬ 
tional aid immediately flowing in ; and they have formed 
a confident expectation, from the public interest which 
