e with their exertions, and surpassed even their wildest
anticipations. The Astronomical Society became in six years known and
respected throughout Europe, not from the halo of reputation which
the glory of its vigourous youth had thrown around the weakness of its
declining years; but from the sterling merit of "its unpretending
deeds, from the sympathy it claimed and received from every practical
astronomer, whose labours it relieved, and whose calculations it
lightened."

But the system which worked so well is now changed, and the Zoological
and Medico-Botanical Societies were established without opposition:
perhaps, indeed, the total failure of the latter society is the best
proof of the wisdom which guided the councils of the Royal. At present,
the various societies exist with no feelings of rivalry or hostility,
each pursuing its separate objects, and all uniting in deploring with
filial regret, the second childhood of their common parent, and the evil
councils by which that sad event has been anticipated.

It is the custom to attach certain letters to the names of those who
belong to different societies, and these marks of ownership are by
many considered the only valuable part of their purchase on entry. The
following is a list of some of these societies. The second column gives
the ready-money prices of the tail-pieces indicated in the third.

SOCIETIES. Fees on Admission Appended
including Composition Letters
for Annual Payments.

L. s. d.
Royal Society............. 50 0 0 F.R.S.
Royal Society of Edinburgh. 25 4 0* F.R.S.E.
Royal Academy of Dublin... 26 5 0 M.R.I.A.
Royal Society of Literature 36 15 0 F.R.S.Lit.
Antiquarian............... 50 8 0 F.A.S.
Linnean................... 36 0 0 F.L.S.
Geological................ 34 15 0 F.G.S.
Astronomical.............. 25 4 0 M.A.S.
Zoological................ 26 5 0 F.Z.S.
Royal Institution......... 50 0 0 M.R.I.
Royal Asiatic.............. 31 10 0 F.R.A.S.
Horticultural............. 43 6 0 F.H.S.
Medico-Botanical.......... 21 0 0 F.M.B.S.

[* The Royal Society of