Abstract of Annual Report.

During the present session five general meetings have been held, including the present annual meeting. At these meetings twelve original papers have been read, of which nine were zoological and two botanical, while one dealt with the natural features, fauna and flora of Macquarie Island.

At the beginning of this session the Council adopted a scheme for the delivery of regular courses of popular lectures. Two such courses have been given:–-one, of three lectures on “Fermentation and Putrefaction,” by the Secretary; and one, of four lectures on “English Literature,” consisting of two lectures by Professor Mainwaring Brown on “Chaucer,” and two by Mr. Alex. Wilson, M.A., on “Tennyson.” In each case the plan was adopted of distributing among the audience a printed syllabus of the lectures; and a small fee, which was charged to non-members, sufficed to cover expenses of printing and advertizing. The success attending these lectures has been such as to warrant the Council recommending their continuance next session.

Six new members have joined the Institute during the session, but on the other hand the names of several defaulters have been struck off the roll. The total number of members is now 177.