tains many of the original specimens figured in Messrs. Lindley and Hutton's Fossil Flora of Great Britain (1831-1837), a classical work which forms the basis of the modern knowledge and nomenclature of fossil botany. The collection was formerly the property of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, and was presented by them to the Natural History Society.

In the upper and lower western corridors will be found the collection of minerals, and in the wall-cases on the upper floor a series of rocks, the latter, so far, only roughly arranged. Amongst the rocks is a good set of the remarkable concretionary Magnesian Limestones of the Sunderland district.

In the lower eastern corridor, which contains objects too large to be placed in their proper systematic position, are some specimens of interest to practical geologists; for example, a section of the Brockwell seam, Coal-measure tree-stems, and some large polished slabs of Weardale "marbles" (Carboniferous Limestone crowded with corals).

Of the remainder of the Museum collections, the sections of chief general interest include the well-known Hancock collection of British birds occupying the central room, the gallery of woodcuts and original drawings by Thomas Bewick, and the upper eastern corridor containing the ethnology collection.

THE MIDLAND COUNTIES INSTITUTION OF
ENGINEERS.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING,
HELD AT MATLOCK BATH, AUGUST 30TH, 1902.

Mr. G. E. COKE, RETIRING-PRESIDENT, IN THE CHAIR.

The Annual Report of the Council was read as follows:-

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL, 1901-1902. The following is a comparative summary of the number of members and the state of the finances for the last three years:

The following table shows the alteration in membership of the various classes during the past twelve months. The Council regret that they have had again to strike off a considerable number of members, in consequence of the non-payment of subscriptions for a period of three years, and this accounts to a very great extent for the resignations shown below. A large number

VOL. XXIV.-1902-1903.

6

of subscriptions still remains unpaid, in spite of repeated reminders, and the Council make a special request for their pay

ment.

Less

Add

1900-1901. Dead. Resigned. Transferred. Elected. Transferred. 1901-1902.

The Council wish to place upon record their regret at the deaths of Messrs. Alfred Barnes and J. E. F. Chambers, the former being a Past-President, and both having rendered great services to the Institution in former years.

The working of the Institution from a financial point of view may again be considered satisfactory, and the bank-balance has been increased from £104 6s. 5d. to £172 2s. 10d.

The annual meeting of The Institution of Mining Engineers was held in Glasgow in September, 1901, when a large number of members attended, in view of the Exhibition which was then open. The London meeting was held in May, 1902.

Local meetings were held on August 14th, 1901, when the excursion included a visit to Belvoir Castle, and the ironstonemines of the neighbourhood; on September 19th, 1901, this being a joint meeting of the members of this Institution and the Midland Institute of Mining, Civil and Mechanical Engineers at Altofts colliery; on December 7th, 1901, at Derby; on March 8th, 1902, at Nottingham, when an excursion was organized to visit the sinking at Gedling; and on June 14th, 1902, a joint meeting of this Institution and the Midland Institute of Mining, Civil and Mechanical Engineers at Sheffield.

The Council wish to take this opportunity of thanking the firms and gentlemen who have been good enough to entertain hospitably the members of this Institution from time to time, and to throw open their works for inspection.

The following papers have been contributed to the Transactions by members of the Institution, since the last Report of the Council: :

"The Grubb Sight for Surveying-instruments."

and Mr. Henry Davis.

By Sir Howard Grubb

Changing Headgears at Pleasley Colliery." By Mr. G. A. Longden. "The Belvoir Iron-ore." By Mr. R. F. Percy.

The Library has now been placed in Nottingham University College, and the catalogue has been printed and circulated among the members.

An index to the seventeen volumes of the Transactions of the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Institution has been printed, and can be obtained from the Secretary.

The CHAIRMAN (Mr. G. E. COKE) moved the adoption of the report and the statement of accounts.

Mr. W. B. M. JACKSON seconded the motion, which was adopted.

The SECRETARY announced the election of the following gentlemen:

HONORARY MEMBERS

Mr. F. A. GRAY, H.M. Inspector of Mines, 7, Victoria Square, Penarth, Cardiff.

Mr. R. MCLAREN, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Edinburgh.

Mr. W. H. PICKERING, H. M. Inspector of Mines, Doncaster.

MEMBERS

Mr. FRANK ARTHUR BLACKBURNE, Colliery Manager, North Wingfield, Chesterfield.

Mr. WALTER GERARD BOULTON, Mining Engineer, Crookhaven, County Cork. Mr. STANLEY CLAY, Mining Engineer, Wassau Gold-mining Company, London. Mr. ROBERT HOOD HAGGIE, Electrical Engineer, 69, Rose Hill Street, Derby. Mr. RALEIGH HILLS, Electrical Engineer, Hill Top Farm, Tupton, Chesterfield. Mr. JAMES MCGOWAN, Civil and Mining Engineer, Waterworks Offices, Nottingham.

Mr. JOHN WILLIAM FRYAR, Mining Engineer, Sherwood Colliery, Mansfield.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS-

HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF RUTLAND, K.G., Belvoir Castle, Grantham.
HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF PORTLAND, K.G., Welbeck Abbey, Worksop.
THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL MANVERS, Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Notts.
Major REGINALD PEMBERTON LEACH (late R.A.), Nethermoor, Tibshelf.

ASSOCIATES

Mr. GWYN HARRISON COATES, Manager's Assistant, Tenter Hill, Hucknall Torkard.

Mr. SAMUEL FIELD, Deputy, 27, Station Street, East Kirkby, Notts.

STUDENT

Mr. HAROLD SHAW, Mining Pupil, 34, Colville Street, Nottingham.