18 
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR 1846 . 
in asserting its claim to a continuance and increase of public 
patronage. During the lapse of four and twenty years since its 
first commencement, the Society has had to deplore the loss of 
a very great number of its early supporters and friends. But it 
is to be hoped that its ranks may continue to be recruited by a 
large accession of younger and no less zealous fellow-labourers, 
who, both by their pecuniary subscriptions and scientific com¬ 
munications, will uphold the efficiency and character of an 
Institution, in which the City and the County of York may 
justly feel a lively interest and an honest pride. 
