the secretaries' report. 
corresponding period last year. It is hoped, however, that for 
several years to come the expenditure will resume a normal 
character, and the Institution he gradually relieved of the incubus 
which now somewhat limits its operations. 
It is satisfactory to note that the valuable property of the 
Institution is at this date in a sounder state of repair and 
efficiency than it has been for some time past. 
By way of experiment a course of lectures was kindly given 
at Christmas to the younger members of the families of the 
members and associates, which proved thoroughly successful. 
The Lectures were by: Dr. R. Oxland, F.C.S., on "Fire;" 
Mr. Tweedy, b.a., on "Light;" Mr. Bignell, f.e.s., on "Butter- 
flies;" Dr. Merrifield, F.R.A.S., on "The Making of Worlds. 1 ' 
The Anniversary Meeting was held on May 1st, when papers 
were read by Mr. K. N. Worth, f.g.s., on "Marine Observations at 
Batten and Cattcwater ;" and by Mr. D. Slater, m.a., on " Eousseau." 
There were two Conversazioni — the opening one on October 
7 th, when the pictures of the Plymouth Art Club exhibition were 
the leading attraction. A choice programme of music was ren- 
dered, under the direction of Mr. Lohr, who kindly undertook 
this duty for the Society. At the second conversazione, held on 
January 6th, a large numbers of photographs were exhibited 
by Mr. Tweedy, Dr. Oxland, Mr. F. Phillips, Mr. Hingston, 
Mr. G. Evans, and others. The musical arrangements were under 
the superintendence of the President, and songs were charmingly 
sung by Mrs. W. Adams, Miss Tweedy, Mr. Skelton, and others. 
The Annual Excursion took place on July 1st, and formed one 
of the most enjoyable in the annals of the Society. The weather 
was all that could be wished, and the district visited exceptionally 
interesting and attractive. The party left Plymouth by the 
9.5. a.m train for Ashburton, and started from the station in 
breaks and waggonettes. 
The route taken was, by the kind permission of the Hon. R. 
Dawson, through the lovely glades of Home Chase, by Newbridge, 
the new drive at Spitchwiek, to which access was courteously 
given by Dr. Blackall, and so through the most picturesque 
scenery of the Dart, to the pleasant vale of Widdecombe. Here a 
halt was called, and the noble church — "the cathedral of the 
moor" — visited, the party being welcomed by the vicar, the 
Rev. J. Williams. Thence the party found their way to 
