Abstract
LONDON Linnean Society, May 24. Anniversary Meeting.—Prof. Allman, F.R.S., president, in the chair.—At this, the ninety-second annual general meeting, there was a large attendance of the Fellows. The President, after a few introductory remarks of congratulation on the prospects of the Society generally, referred to the obituary, pointing out that several of the oldest members would now no longer appear on the list. Among others, Prof. T. Bell (œt. 87), J. Miers (œt;t. 91), Gen. Munro, Dr. David Moore, Wilson Sanders, E. W. Cooke, R.A., Fellows, and T. Atthey, Associate, besides Foreign Members of high standing, showed a heavy death-roll. The Secretaries and Treasurer, after full term of service, had proposed to resign, and as a matter of form this had been acceded to by the Council. The Secretary (Mr. F. Currey) then read his report. Since the last anniversary the Society had lost by death ten Fellows, three Foreign Members, and one Associate; and three Fellows had withdrawn. On the other hand, there had been an accession by election of twenty-eight new Fellows, three Foreign Members, and four Associates. The library showed a marked increase and improvement, by additions obtained by purchase, exchange, and donations, and had been amply used in biological reference and loan of books. The scientific communications and exhibitions at the meetings during the session had kept pace with the march of science, and the attendance of the Fellows bore witness to the active interest taken in the proceedings generally. —The Treasurer (Dr. J. Gwyn Jeffreys) then read his report. In resigning office he congratulated the Society on its increasing prosperity in a financial point of view. Notwithstanding the late depression of commerce, which had to a greater or less extent injuriously affected other scientific societies, as well as the additional yearly expenditure consequent on the removal to Burlington House, and the greater amount of salaries paid, the publications had not been restricted; considerably more having been spent on the library than formerly. The Society is quite free from debt; has an invested capital of £3730 12s. 8d., and the balance at bankers and on hand at this date is £522 18s. 2d. Twelve months ago, owing to the unfortunate and long illness of the Librarian, his accounts became confused, and the Asst-Secretary had since undertaken the receipts and payments, and had the books thoroughly balanced. A Special Committee had also been appointed by the Council for investigating the financial position of the Society, and their valuable suggestions had been adopted, especially as to the reasonable limitation of the publication expenses, which had increased from £796 14s. in 1876 to £1100 5s. id. in 1879. With respect to the compositions, which, even if they were altogether invested, must seriously diminish the income of the Society, the Treasurer stated that during his five years of office he had received £1968, and invested £920 15s. During the previous five years no part of the compositions appear to have been invested. He had also received and invested £840 for legacies. The Society's capital had been doubled; it was in 1875 £1860, and is now £3730 12s. Sd. The annual contributions received in 1876 amounted to £694 13s., and last year to £948 12s. The ballot for Council and Officers having been proceeded with, the following gentlemen retired from the Council:—Messrs. J. Ball, W. Carruthers, F. DuCane Godman, Dr. A. Giinther, and the Rev. G. Henslow. In their places were elected:—Messrs. E. R. Alston, G. Bentham, G. Busk, Dr. M. Foster, and B. D. Jackson. For the Officers, Prof. G. J. Allman was reelected President; Mr. Fredk. Currey (the outgoing Secretary),Treasurer; Mr. B. Daydon Jackson, Botanical Secretary; and Mr. Edward R. Alston, Zoological Secretary.—Prof. Allman thereafter gave his usual annual address, taking for his subject “The Vegetation of the Riviera, a Chapter in the Physiognomy and Distribution of Plants.” In this address (not well adapted for brief abstract), by a few broad outliries, a sketch of the most striking features of the vegetation and its peculiarities as derived from the physical contour of the country, geographical position, and climate, was given. The phenomena extant are of high interest to the botanist, for though belonging to the European area, the Riviera exhibits in climate and character of vegetation an obvious link between the temperate and tropical zones. Its accessibility and singular flora, with scenes of unrivalled beauty, offer ample material for study.
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Societies and Academies . Nature 22, 115–116 (1880). https://doi.org/10.1038/022115b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/022115b0