xii 
TRANSACTIONS OF THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
Rev. W. Binns. 
Rev. Prof. Chapman, ll.d. 
Mr. J. T. Cunningham, 
B.A., F.R.S.E. 
Mr. B. J. Ridge. 
Mr. G. C. Bignell, f.e.s. 
1888. 
Jan. 5. Conversazione. 
,, 12. The Ober-Ammergau Passion Play, 
1880 
,, 19. Pre-organic Evolution 
,, 26. Eggs of Fishes and their Develop 
ment .... 
Feb. 2. The Herring Fishery 
„ 9. Observations on Insect Life 
,, 16. Irish Revolutionists, their Leaders 
and Literature. An Historical 
Sketch Mr. McCarthy. 
,, 23. Lake Dwellings .... Mr. F. Brent, f.s.a. 
Mar. 1. William Robert Hicks, of Bodmin. 
A Memoir Mr. W. F. Collier. 
,, 8. Early Western Railroads . . . Mr. R. Hansford Worth. 
„ 15. Dartmoor (discussion continued) • f Mr. W. G. Tweedy, b.a. 
• I Mr. R. N. Worth, f.g.s. 
,, 22. On the Track of the "Old Men," 
Dartmoor — Illustrated . . Mr. R. Burnard. 
,, 29. Recent Geological Work at the Lizard Mr. Howard Fox, f.g.s. 
There has been a still further increase in the number of 
Lecturing Members, but the Associates show a falling off; and 
the Secretaries again beg earnestly to press upon all the friends of 
the Institution the desirability of doing what they can to increase 
the numbers of those belonging to the Society, which ought 
to be more largely supported than it is in so populous a centre, 
especially when the special character of its objects is considered, 
and the fact that no similar association exists nearer than Torquay 
on the one hand, and Truro on the other, while its aims are 
wider and more inclusive than those of any other scientific or 
literary organization in Devon or Cornwall. 
The Treasurer's report will show that while there has been 
a slight falling off in the ordinary income of the Society, yet, 
owing to the fact that there has been no expenditure of an 
exceptional character, the debt has been reduced to £350 
from <£383. This, however, still cripples the operations of the 
Society to such an extent that it is proposed to make an attempt 
to clear it off, and a committee has been appointed to consider 
in what way this may best be done. 
It is earnestly hoped that the members and friends of the 
Institution will give hearty aid to this final effort. 
There has been an unusually large and valuable series of 
