20 
REPORT OE THE COUNCIL FOR 1854 . 
been expressed in many quarters that a paid Assistant Secretary 
ought to be appointed* the property of the Society having 
become so extensive, and its interests so important, that more 
time and attention are demanded than can be expected from an 
honorary officer. 
If such an appointment was to be made, the attention of the 
Council was naturally turned to the Keeper of the Museum, as 
a gentleman whose office already brings him constantly to the 
Institution, and whose scientific attainments would command 
the respect of visitors with whom he might have to communi- 
cate. As it is impossible, however, to predict whether such an 
appointment will give an impulse to the Society sufficient to 
increase its funds to the requisite extent, they do not feel 
justified in recommending more than a temporary arrangement. 
It is recommended that Mr. Charlesworth be appointed 
Assistant Secretary, at a salary of £50 for the ensuing year, 
giving a larger portion of his time than hitherto, to the super- 
intendence of the Society’s affairs. In this case the services 
of the present Clerk will be discontinued. 
This proposal being adopted, two gentlemen (the Rev. 
John Kenrick, and Thos. Allis, Esq.) have consented to under¬ 
take the office of Honorary Secretaries for the present year. 
The Council feel a strong persuasion that the arrangements 
thus proposed will conduce to the well-being of the Society, 
and will both promote the interests of science and prove satis¬ 
factory to the members. 
