Mr. George said that the only reason for not acting on Mr. Waterhouse's suggestion was the want of a suitable room for such an entertainment. The fine lecture hall in which the members were now assembled would obviate this difficulty.

Dr. Buller said that in England it had become the practice for each of the leading scientific societies, at least once in the year, to hold a popular soirée of the kind indicated by Mr. Waterhouse.

Mr. Travers said that a popular lecture on some scientific topic, in connection with the proposed entertainment, would be the best means of combining interest with instruction; and he referred to the great success which had attended Mr. Fitzgerald's lecture on Art, and several other lectures delivered under the auspices of this Society. He added that he would be quite willing to contribute his share to any future effort of the kind.

The Hon. Mr. Mantell feared that tea and coffee could not be supplied, without putting his own kitchen under requisition, as was done during the General Assembly ball in the Museum building; but he was nevertheless in favour of Mr. Waterhouse's proposal, and would suggest that a special meeting of Council should be held at an early date, for the purpose of considering the matter in detail.

The President thanked Mr. Waterhouse for bringing the subject forward, and declared the Annual Meeting closed.