456 
MINUTES OF PKOCEEDINGS OF 
4. The Committee are glad to be able to report that the Classes for 
French and German have been more than usually attended, that a 
Mathematical Class has been formed, and that the number of members 
who have received instruction in drawing has been more than usually 
great. 
The changes in the garrison have been so many during the past 
year, that only a few of the members have been able to avail them¬ 
selves of the opportunities of instruction, not only in the chemistry of 
warlike stores but also in the Laboratory, which have been open to 
them. 
The equatorial telescope being now in excellent order and adjust¬ 
ment, the balance due to the maker will be at once paid. It is 
proposed to render this instrument more perfect by the addition of a 
solar eye-piece and a star spectroscope. 
The Observatory is open for the use of members on three days in 
the week, and on such other occasions as they may wish, by giving 
previous notice. 
All the instruments in possession of the Institution are in good 
order, and ready for the use of members. 
In compliance with a wish expressed by the Astronomer Royal, 
Sir G. B. Airey, K.C.B., &c., &c., the Committee have granted to him 
the loan of the portable transit instrument, for use at the approaching 
transit of Venus, 
5. With reference to the financial state of the R.A. Institution, the 
Committee have the pleasure of reporting that, notwithstanding the 
large sum paid for the telescope, a general credit of £2376 7s. 8d. is 
shown in the annexed tabular statement, as against £1893 6s. 9d. 
last year. 
Of this sum, the Committee propose to invest a sufficient amount to 
bring the stock possessed by the Institution (now £1686 5s. 7d.) to 
£2000, and to expend as much as may be necessary in re-furnishing 
the Theatre and Library, and adding to the books and maps. 
The Committee consider it, however, to be their duty to bring to the 
notice of the General Meeting the fact that £121 is due for subscrip¬ 
tions for past years—a fact they believe chiefly due to members ordered 
to India and other foreign stations not leaving instructions with their 
agents to pay the annual subscription. As this, however, has a marked 
influence upon the amount of cash at their disposal during the year, 
they hope that this notice may have the effect of very considerably 
lessening these arrears. 
A detailed account of the expenditure and receipts during the year, 
and a Dr. and Cr. statement, will be found in Appendix. 
A Trustee being required for the funds of the Institution, in con¬ 
sequence of the death of Major-General A. J. Taylor, the Committee 
requested Major-General F. M. Eardley-Wilmot, F.R.S., to undertake 
the duties, and are glad to be able to report his acceptance of them. 
