THE SECRETARIES' REPORT. 
13 
who by their untiring exertions have succeeded in obtaining a large 
proportion of the amount subscribed ; and the Society is now to 
be congratulated on possessing two magnificent halls, in addition to 
their lecture hall, approaching completion. A commodious cottage 
for the caretaker has also been built, so that the value of the 
property of the Society has been considerably enhanced. Still, 
the amount required to place the Society entirely free from debt 
has not been made up, and it is for the members to use all their 
efforts to obtain further funds, to provide not only for the balance 
outstanding for the building, but to enable the Museum and Art 
Gallery to be completed with appropriate fittings, &c. 
The collections belonging to the Institution to be deposited in 
the new Museum are of much value, and comprise a fine series of 
birds, mammals, and fishes, mostly from the district, and the best 
collections of fossil bones from the Devonshire caves to be found 
west of Torquay. In addition to these are shells, minerals, insects, 
Crustacea, and some articles of antiquity ; whilst the Ethnological 
Department contains specimens of weapons and articles brought 
from the Arctic regions by the lamented Sir John Franklin and 
Captains Parry and Back. 
At the Anniversary meeting, held on the 2nd May, 1881, the 
following short Papers were read ; viz. : 
On "The Instincts of the Cuckoo" . Mr. T. R. A. Bbjggs, f.l.s. 
On " Fossil Bones from the Caves of 
the Locality, lately presented to the 
Institution" Mr. R. N. Worth, f.g.s. 
On " The Advantage of Translating 
the Greek and Latin Poets in Poetic 
Diction Line for Line " . . . Mr. D. Slater, m.a. 
At this meeting plans of the intended new Museum and Fine Arts 
Gallery were exhibited and explained, and referred to in remarks 
by the President. 
The members, associates, and their friends, made their Annual 
Excursion on the 1st July, 1881, when a large party was conveyed 
by train to Bovey Tracey and Lustleigh. At the former place the 
potteries of Mr. Divett were visited, also the lignite beds and lake 
formed from the old workings ; and the President gave an interest- 
ing address on the spot on the origin of these beds, and their 
relation to the coal measures of Europe. The church of St. John, 
so well restored by Canon Courtenay, was also inspected. Some 
