REPORT, 
21 
a collection in an important branch of botanical science, to 
which those who visit distant countries would find it easy to 
contribute. Contributions of a still more material kind are 
to be looked for in the ensuing year. Great exertions have 
been used to prepare the Garden of the Institution for 
immediate use. No labour has been spared in forming the 
ground, which, when first opened, appeared to be nothing but 
a widely extended heap of rubbish and fragments of stone, 
but which now promises to furnish, on this picturesque and 
interesting site, a proper soil and space sufficient for the 
most essential objects of the Botanist; and the Council trust 
that they may rely upon the liberality of those who are 
attached to such pursuits, to save the Society much of the 
expense which is still required to stock the garden with 
plants. 
With these operations has been conjoined a constant 
attention to the object of exploring the remnants of the 
ancient Abbey, with which the ground was every where 
intersected ; and so successfully have its foundations been 
traced, that the Antiquary may now not only form an idea 
of the extent, arrangement, and magnificence of this great 
establishment, but, by comparing its plan with that of other 
religious houses, of which similar remains have been found, 
may gain some insight into the general system of monastic 
architecture. 
The progress of the excavations has placed in the Society’s 
possession many additional relics of the taste and skill with 
which the structure has been decorated. The tracery of 
