8 
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 
prevented, amounting to about £. 25 .—The General Account 
is charged with the sum of £.235 for the fitting up of the 
Zoological Museum, for various important alterations of the 
flues, repairs of sky-lights and roof, and thoroughly painting 
the Zoological Museum ; a disputed bill amounting to ^.39 
has been paid; yet in consequence of the admission of New 
Members, and Compositions, and the savings from the year's 
income, the general debt of the Society is augmented by only 
the sum of <£^.114. 
The great expenses of the Institution are now ended ; 
its ordinary charges can be defrayed out of the ordinary 
income ; the public favour still follows its disinterested exer¬ 
tions, new Members will surely be attracted to share its 
increased advantages, and to stimulate its growing prosperity. 
The foundations of the Institution were laid securely on the 
basis of general utility, its scientific energy has been steadily 
increasing, specially directed towards local objects, but guided 
by a just spirit of general philosophy. Of the many thou¬ 
sands who examine the treasures of this Museum, some are 
taught to study, and ail are constrained to admire, the 
varied images of nature, and the impressive monuments 
of art ; every day augments the intellectual wealth and 
harmonizing influence of the Society ; it has taken its 
just place among the kindred institutions of the age, and 
not disappointed the hopes of its founders. 1 he ruins 
amongst which we stand, do indeed sufficiently remind us that 
this Building, the work of our hands, cannot be expected to 
last for ever ; yet (if we rightly understand the value of science 
and do our best to promote it,) it is in our power to confer on 
this Institution, more than ‘ a long enduring name f—to 
nourish in it a principle of life and permanent activity ; and 
to challenge from the present and future generations a 
grateful acknowledgement of its utility, wherever the pure 
and peaceful light of philosophy shall shine for the blessing 
of mankinci 
