ship Fly; presented by the Lords of the Admiralty. A collection of mammalia from North America, presented by the Hudson's Bay Company; and a large collection of insects from the same country, presented by George Barnstone, esq. A collection of mammalia, birds, and reptiles from South Australia, presented by his Excellency Captain G. Grey; of reptiles, insects, and shells from Australia, presented by the Earl of Derby; of Australian insects, presented by B. Bynoe, esq. A collection of birds from the Tenasserim coast; presented by Dr. Packman. A collection of mammalia, reptiles, insects, crustacea, &c. from Pernambuco, presented by Mr. and Mrs. J. P. G. Smith. A collection of mammalia and reptiles from the Brazils, and of mammalia, fish, reptiles, and crustacea, from Japan, Celebes, Borneo, and Amboina. A collection of birds, reptiles, &c. from Asia Minor; presented by Charles Fellows, esq. very extensive collection of insects, being all the specimens wanting to the Museum collections contained in the cabinet of the Entomological Club, presented by the club. A collection of shells from California, presented by Lady Catharine Douglas.

A

In the Botanical branch, the keeper has received as presents or by purchase nearly 400 species of plants.

In the department of Antiquities, the principal acquisitions of the year have been, a large Chinese Bell, richly decorated with figures and inscriptions; presented by Her Majesty. A very considerable addition to the collection of Xanthian sculptures, acquired during the winter of 1843-1844, by the expedition fitted out under the auspices of Her Majesty's Government, the operations of which were conducted under the direction of Mr. Fellows. A colossal kneeling statue of an Egyptian chief, in black basalt; presented by Edward Fletcher, esq. A large piece of mosaic pavement from the site of Carthage; presented by Hudson Gurney, esq. About 4,050 coins; amongst which are 80 gold, 1,207 silver, 1,561 brass, from the Duke of Devonshire's collection; and 190 gold, 258 silver, 287 brass, from Mr. Thomas's sale.

In the department of Prints and Drawings the following additions have been made. A small but interesting collection of impressions from monumental brasses. A collection of Raphael Morghen's engravings. Several very curious unique specimens of early playing cards. Some very rare proofs of Swanevelt's etchings. A great addition to the collection of Dutch etchings. Many additions to the works of A. Mantegna, Rembrandt, Le Blond, and the old German masters.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE.

April 24. The anniversary meeting of this society was held in St. Martin'splace, the Earl of Clare, one of the VicePresidents, in the chair. The Report of the Council was read by the Rev. Richard Cattermole. It appeared that the income during the year, including her Majesty's annual donation of 100, amounted to 7057., a sum greater than the expenditure by 687. At the ordinary meetings of the society 17 papers upon history, science, and antiquities, had been read, and the library had been enriched by various presents. Henry Hallam, esq., was appointed to the office of President, vacant by the retirement of the Earl of Ripon; and the Marquess of Northampton, Lord Kenyon, Archdeacon Burney, T. Bigge, esq., the Rev. R. Cattermole, the Rev. H. Clissold, Sir John Doratt, M.D., the Rev. T. Fuller, J. Hogg, esq., H. Holland, esq., W. Jerdan, esq., William Osborne, esq., D. Pollock, esq., C. A. Smith, esq., William Tooke, esq., and D. Turner, esq were elected members of the Council.

LITERARY FUND SOCIETY.

May 14. The anniversary dinner of the Literary Fund Society was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, the Earl of Ellenborough in the chair. Though not very numerously attended, the meeting went off with more than usual spirit, and the amount of donations announced was just 8401. Amongst the company present were the Archbishop of Dublin, Chevalier Bunsen, Lord Brougham, Lord Mahon, &c.

ROYAL INSTITUTION.

May 1. The anniversary meeting was held, Lord Prudhoe, President, in the chair. The Report of the Auditors announced the affairs of the institution in a flourishing condition, and that the proceeds of the lectures had, during the past year, been 157. The Friday evening meetings had continued to attract large assemblies of members and their friends. The entire receipts of the year were 29167. ls. 6d, and there was a balance in hand of 3957.18s. The laboratory and library departments exhibited equally satisfactory results.

THE CAMDEN SOCIETY.

May 2. The General Meeting of the Camden Society was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, and the chair was taken by the Right Hon. Lord Braybrooke, the President.

The Council reported the continued prosperity of the society, and that, by the investments of compositions received from four members, the funded stock of the society has been increased to £779 158, 1d.

They announced, with much regret, the retirement of Mr. Bruce from the office of Treasurer, in consequence of his removal from London, after having filled that office from the institution of the society with a zeal, fidelity, and judgment which have contributed in the highest degree to its prosperity; and stated that the vacancy thus created has been filled up by the unanimous election to the treasurership of Mr. J. Payne Collier, a gentleman who has not only been a zealous and attentive member of the Council ever since the first formation of the society, but has given ample evidence of his willingness to labour in its cause by editing two most valuable publications.

The publications of the present year have been

I. A Translation of Polydore Vergil's History of the Reigns of Henry the Sixth, Edward the Fourth, and Richard the Third, from a MS. in the Royal Collection, British Museum. Edited by Sir Henry Ellis, K.H., F.R.S., Sec. S.A.

II. The French Chronicle of London, from a MS. in the Cottonian Library. Edited by George John Aungier, esq.

III. The Metrical Romances of Sir Perceval, Sir Isumbras, Sir Eglamour, and Sir Degrevante. Edited by James Orchard Halliwell, esq. F.R.S., F.S.A.

And a fourth, being a volume of Notes of Proceedings in the Long Parliament by Sir Ralph Verney, edited by John Bruce, esq., F.S.A., a portion of the valuable Collection of Family Papers placed at the service of the society by Sir Harry Verney, bart. (as mentioned in our last June Magazine, p. 628), is ready for immediate delivery. The first book for the next year is also completed, and will be delivered to the members as soon as bound. It is the Autobiography of Sir John Bramston, edited by the President, from the original manuscript in the possession of his descendant, Thomas William Bramston, esq., one of the knights of the shire for South Essex, who has kindly permitted the publication of a volume which, it is hoped, will throw considerable light upon the state of politics and society during the Stuarts' reigns.

The volumes which have been added to the list of suggested publications during the past year are

The Master of the Game. To be edited from manuscripts of the Fifteenth Century, by Sir Henry Dryden, bart., F.S.A.

De Antiquis Legibus Liber, a Chronicle of the Mayors and Sheriffs of London, and of divers events of those times. To be edited by Thomas Stapleton, esq., F.S.A. (which is nearly finished).

Selections from the Archives of the City

of Canterbury, illustrative of the State of Society in England during the Middle Ages. To be edited by Thomas Wright, esq., M.A.

Extracts from the Journal and Account Book of a Sussex Clergyman, kept from 1655 to 1679. To be edited by R. W. Blencowe, esq.

Camden's Visitation of Huntingdonshire, made by Nicholas Charles, his deputy, from the Original Visitation preserved among the Cottonian Manuscripts. To be edited by Sir Henry Ellis, K.H., F.R.S., F.S.A.

The Early Charters and Statutes of the Collegiate Church of Middleham, in the county of York. To be edited by the Rev. William Atthill, M.A., Canon and SubDean of Middleham.

The places of the three retiring members of Council were filled by the names of Bolton Corney, esq., Peter Levesque, esq. F.S.A., and Sir Harry Verney, bart.; and as Auditors of the ensuing year were elected W. D. Cooper, esq. F.S.A., G. R. Corner, esq. F.S.A., and the Rev. S. R. Maitland, F.R.S., F.S.A.

THE SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY.

April 26. The fourth annual meeting of the members of the Shakespeare Society was held at the rooms of the Royal Society of Literature.

The Report congratulated the members on the continued success of the Society, and recapitulated the titles of the works issued in the course of past year.

In compliance with a wish generally expressed, three extremely rare plays-the True Tragedie of Richard III. (mentioned in last year's Report, June, 1844, p. 629), the Ghost of Richard III., and the Taming of a Shrew-have been printed, affording considerable illustration of the drama of the period, and more particularly of the question of Shakespeare's obligation to his predecessors. The first volume of a Miscellaneous Collection has also been issued, and some papers of much interest have been contributed for the volume now in progress. The Society has the satisfaction of seeing that the books issued by it have been universally appealed to by the numerous writers and commentators who, in reviews as well as separate works, have lately largely availed themselves of the materials, thus proving the practical utility of the works selected.

One of the main purposes of the Society, as stated in the original prospectus and ever since kept closely in view, was to induce persons possessing old family papers to examine them, in the hope of finding something if not directly elucidatory of Shakespeare, illustrative at least

of our early drama and stage. This object has already, in part, been accomplished by the work last issued,-a copy of one of our great dramatist's most popular historical plays, from a contemporary manuscript possibly anterior to the earliest of the printed editions.

The following volumes have been printed and, distributed since the last annual meeting: 1. Sir Thomas More: an unprinted Historical Play. From the original MS. (licensed for the stage by the Master of the Revels about the year 1590) in the British Museum. Edited by the Rev. Alexander Dyce.

2. Vol. I. of the Shakespeare Society's Papers being a Miscellany of Contributions illustrative of the drama and literature of the Shakespearean era. To be continued as contributions are received.

3. The Taming of a Shrew, which preceded Shakespeare's Comedy. From the unique copies of 1594 and 1596, 4to., in the collections of the Duke of Devonshire, and of Lord Francis Egerton, M.P. Edited by Thomas Amyot, esq., F.R.S., Treas. S.A. &c. With a fac-simile titlepage of the original edition.

4. Illustrations of the Fairy Mythology of Shakespeare, selected from rare books and manuscripts, exhibiting the old popular notions respecting fairies, and how far they have been adopted in the "Midsummer Night's Dream." By J. O. Halliwell, esq., F.R.S., Hon. M.R.I.A., F.S.A., &c.

5. Shakespeare's Play of King Henry the Fourth, printed from a Contemporary Manuscript, found among the records of Sir Edward Dering, Bart. Edited by James Orchard Halliwell, esq., F.R.S.,

&c. With two fac-similes of the handwritings.

In the press are, 1. The Diary and Account-book of Philip Henslowe, from the MS. at Dulwich College.

2. Vol. II. of the Shakespeare Society's Papers; and, 3. Part II. of the Chester Whitsun-Plays.

Mr. Bolton Corney is preparing, "Notices of Shakespeare and his Works, from the earliest period to the publication of the Theatrum Poetarum,' in 1675; with memoranda drawn from other sources on his personal and literary history." Mr. Peter Cunningham, "A Selection from the Notes written by William Oldys, in his copy of Langbaine's Lives of the Dramatic Poets, now in the British Museum;" and "A Collection of the Documents which have reference to the Events of Shakespeare's Life," will be edited by Sir Frederick Madden and John Bruce, esq. Several other books, original and reprints, have also been accepted by the council.

In the place of the five members retiring

THE PERCY SOCIETY.

May 1. The fifth annual meeting of this Society was held at the house of the Royal Society of Literature, Lord Bray. brooke, the President, in the chair. In the place of the three retiring Members of Council were elected Bolton Corney, esq.; Frederick William Fairholt, esq. F.S.A.; and James Orchard Halliwell, esq. F.R.S., F.S.A.; and for Auditors, W. Harrison Ainsworth, esq.; Lewis Pocock, esq. F.S.A.; and James Prior, esq. F.S.A.

The report of the Council was chiefly directed to the circumstance of their having retrieved the financial affairs of the Society, by lessening the quantity of mat ter printed, which in the previous year had extended considerably beyond what its funds could consistently bear. The issues of the year have consequently been mostly very "wee bookies." They stated the accession of many new members, no less than twenty-three of whom have taken complete sets of the Society's publica

tions.

The publications of the last year areThe Keen of the South of Ireland: as illustrative of Irish political and domestic history, manners, music, and superstitions. Collected by T. Crofton Croker, esq. The Poems of John Audelay : a specimen of the Shropshire dialect of the fifteenth century. Edited by J. O. Halli. well, esq. F.R.S.

St. Brandan, a Medieval Legend of the Sea, in English verse and prose. Edited by Thomas Wright, esq. M.A. F.S.A.

The Romance of the Emperor Octavian Now first published from MSS. at Lin coln and Cambridge. Edited by J. O. Halliwell, esq.

Six Ballads, with Burdens: from MSS. in the library of Corpus Christi College, Camb. Edited by James Goodwin, B.D. Lyrical Poems, selected from Musical

Publications between the years 1589 and 1600. Edited by J. P. Collier, esq. F.S.A.

Friar Bakon's Prophesie: a satire on the degeneracy of the times, A.D. 1604. Edited by J. O. Halliwell, esq.

The Seven Sages: in English verse. Edited from a manuscript in the Public Library of the University of Cambridge, by Thomas Wright, esq. M.A. F.S.A.

Popular Songs, illustrative of the French Invasions of Ireland. Part I. Edited by T. Crofton Croker, esq.

Poetical Miscellanies; from a Manuscript Collection of the time of James the First. Edited by J. O. Halliwell, esq.

The Crown Garland of Golden Roses. Part II. From the edition of 1659.

Barnfield's Affectionate Shepherd. Reprinted from the almost unique copy in Sion College. By J. O. Halliwell, esq.

Among other works in different stages of preparation, it is expected that the following will be ready for delivery during the ensuing year :

The Life of Thomas Becket, from the collection of Early English metrical lives of Saints, believed to be written by Robert of Gloucester. To be edited by W. H. Black, esq.

A Collection of Old Ballads, collected from oral tradition in Scotland. To be edited by G. H. Dixon, esq. and W. Jerdan, esq.

The Poems of William Browne, author of Britannia's Pastorals; to be edited by Peter Cunningham, esq.

A Collection of Charms, illustrative of English Superstitions in former days. From early manuscripts.

A Collection of Songs from the Pageants of the Seventeenth Century, to be edited by Frederick W. Fairholt, esq.

The Poems of Hoccleve, to be edited by W. H. Black, esq.

The Young Gallants Whirligigg, or Youths Reakes. By Francis Lenton. 4to. Lond. 1629.

Some of these, and of the other works suggested for publication, as the Songs and Sonnets of Dr. Donne, Selections from the Poems of Taylor the Water Poet, Hawes's Pass-tyme of Pleasure, and Roy's Satire on Cardinal Wolsey, hold forth a better promise than many of the past publications of this Society, which, it must be admitted, have been scarcely worth the trouble of fetching. A less frequent, but more substantial, delivery would probably be more satisfactory to most of the members.

THE SYDENHAM SOCIETY.

May 2. The anniversary meeting was held in the rooms of the Society in Frithstreet, Dr. Paris, President of the Royal

College of Physicians, and President of this Society, in the chair.

The report announced that the number of Members was nearly 1800, and that the proceedings of the Society in the re-publication and distribution of old and valuable medical works amongst the profession were highly satisfactory. Since the last annual meeting three volumes have been issued, a Latin edition of Sydenham's Works, edited by Dr. Greenhill, of Oxford, for the first year's subscription; and for the second year, 1. the Works of Paulus Ægineta, vol. I. translated and edited by F. Adams, esq. and 2. Observations on Aneurism. The Works of Harvey and Hewson are in preparation. A translation of Simon's Chemistry of Man, and of Schwann's Researches on the intimate structure of Animals and Vegetables, are in the press. An English edition of Sydenham is in progress, and Hasse's Pathological Anatomy is ready for the press. It has been determined to issue a translation of the celebrated treatise of Rhazes on the Small Pox, and a volume of the more important of the writings of Dupuytren. Arrangements have also commenced for an edition of the collected Works of William Hunter. A scheme has been prepared by a Sub-Committee for a complete Medical Bibliography, of which a specimen is published with the Annual Report.

SOCIETY OF ARTS.

April 16. The annual general meeting took place in the Theatre of this Institution, W. Tooke, esq. F.R.S., in the chair. The following Vice-Presidents were elected in the room of those who have retired or died :-The Marqess of Bristol, the Earl of Clarendon, the Duke of Portland, the Marquess of Lansdowne, the Earl of Romney. Ten of the acting Vice-Presidents were re-elected; and Sir I. L. Goldsmid, Bart., and G. Moore, esq., F.R.S., were elected in the room of those going out by rotation. The chief novelty in the mode of election this year consists in the appointment of a committee of 74 members, but divided into eight classesviz., accounts; fine arts; agriculture; chemistry; colonies and trade; manufactures; mechanics; miscellaneous matters, correspondence, &c. the gentlemen elected in each department being those best qualified to judge of the matters therein, and the decision on which will be entirely left to them, without any interference by gentlemen connected with the other classes. This arrangement appeared to give great satisfaction.

CHEMICAL SOCIETY.

March 31. This being the fourth anniversary, the annual Report was made by the president, Mr. Aikin. It recorded the loss of two distinguished members: Dr. Hope, of Edinburgh, and Professor Daniell. The society continues in a flourishing state, and has increased during the last year in all the classes of its members. The following officers and council were then elected: President, T. Graham, esq. -Vice-Presidents, A. Aikin, esq., W. T. Brande, esq., J. T. Cooper, esq., T. Thomson, M.D.-Treasurer, R. Porrett, esq. -Secretaries, R. Warington, esq., G. Fownes, Ph. D.-Foreign Secretary, E. F. Teschemacher, esq.-Council, B. Babington, M.D., W. J. Cock, esq., W. De la Rue, esq., W. Gregory, M.D., J. F. W. Johnston, esq. M.A., R. Kane, M.D., W. B. Leeson, M.D., W. H. Pepys, esq., R. Phillips, esq., J. D. Smith, esq., J. Stenhouse, Ph. D., J. L. Wheeler, esq.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

May 1. The thirty-sixth anniversary meeting, R. H. Solly, esq. F.R.S. in the chair. The Report announced a great improvement in the finances, the outstanding debt having been reduced by the amount of 1,579. 58. 9d. The total receipts of the year were 7,3521. 13s. 4d., and there remained a balance in hand of 250l. 98. 3d. The receipts of the garden exhibitions for the past year were 5,6211. 8s. 6d. The Duke of Devonshire was re-elected President; Mr. T. Edgar, Treasurer; and Mr. J.R. Gowen was appointed Secretary, in the room of Dr. Henderson.

ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

April 29. This was the annual meeting, the Earl of Derby, President, in the chair. From the report, it appeared that the number of visitors to the gardens during the year had been 10,507, of whom 7,802 paid the admission fees, while the remainder were the privileged members. The receipts amounted to 11,997. and the expenditure to 10,999/. Amongst the donors to the museum were Lord Saye and Sele, Colonel Owen, the Norwegian Consul, and the Countess of Mansfield. Her Majesty has presented to the mena

gerie a beautiful Albanian deer, and many valuable animals have been received from Colonel Warrington, Sir Robert Schomburgk, &c. The plan recently adopted of exposing the carnivora to the open air, instead of keeping them in dens warmed by artificial heat, has been attended with the best results, there having been a diminution in the number of deaths and a great improvement in the health of the animals.

LONDON INSTITUTION.

April 24. The annual general meeting of proprietors was held in the theatre of the Institution, Sir Thomas Baring, Bart, President, in the chair. The Report ef the Auditors announced the receipts of the year as 3,250l. 7s. 10d., and a balance in the Treasurer's hands of 414/. 48. 7d., the present invested capital being 16,280. in the Three per Cents., and 21,350. in the Consolidated Annuities. During the past year a considerable addition had been made to the different departments of the library, and the catalogue has been completed.

PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL TO JOHN

BRITTON, F.S.A. &C.

Several gentlemen have formed them. selves into a committee, and had meetings, to consider and determine on offering some public testimony to Mr. Britton of their regard and respect for the numerous literary works which he has produced on topography, architectural antiquities, and the fine arts. He has intimated a wish that a prize should be offered for an essay on a particular subject of archæology; but the committee seem rather disposed to prefer a good portrait, to be painted and engraved, or a medal, with a medallion likeness on the obverse, and an ancient building on the reverse. These subjects are for the decision of the committee, as well as the time and place for a public dinner. Mr. Britton has just printed a classed list of all his literary works, by which it appears that they amount to 66 volumes, besides essays, and extending to 17,122 printed pages, illustrated by 1866 engravings, and that their cost is 50,328.