COUNCIL FOR 1845 . 
9 
will advance the objects, and not be injurious to the finances of the 
Institution, which, supported by the force of enlightened public 
favour, may count upon an increase of contributors commensurate 
with the augmented advantages which it offers. The payment of 
rent to the Corporation is fully justified by these considerations. 
The Council are prepared to advise that no delay should be allowed 
in the execution of this work; the preliminary steps, so far as they 
depend on the Corporation have been taken, the greater part of the 
premises are unoccupied, and it is desirable to have the new Lodge 
and the new Boundary completed before the summer, when, besides 
the usual great influx of visitors, we may expect the arrival of the 
numerous Members of the Archseological Institute. 
Before passing from the subjects connected with the improvement 
of the grounds, the Council must report to the Society an 
arrangement of considerable importance which they have been 
enabled to effect, whereby the controul of a portion of the Manor 
Shore property which was let on a long lease, has been recovered. 
They have repurchased for the Society, the lease of the Swimming 
Bath, with all its constructions, at the cost of £1475. By this 
arrangement the plans of Sir John Nasmyth, for the ornamental 
works in the Garden have been much facilitated; an objectionable 
entrance to the Museum Grounds has been closed; while the Baths 
have been rendered more accessible, and capable of receiving any 
further extension which may be deemed advisable hereafter. This 
has been moreover far from an unprofitable investment. After paying 
all regular expenses of the Bath and the cost of some indispensable 
repairs, there remains, for the credit of the Society, on the Annual 
Account, the sum of £60. 10s. lid. being equal to 4 per cent on the 
purchase money. 
Serious apprehensions having been for sometime felt as to the 
safety of some parts of the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey—which the 
Society is bound to keep in as good a state as possible, the Curator 
of Antiquities received authority from the Council to take such steps 
as might appear necessary to repair and sustain them. He was 
fortunate in obtaining the advice of Mr. Smirke, and it is hoped that 
these venerable remains are not only improved in their appearance, 
but strengthened to resist the attacks of time for a long series of 
years. It may deserve attention whether something further may not 
be attempted toward securing, and in part replacing, the beautiful 
Norman piers and arches at the entrance of the Chapter House. 
c 
