REPORT.
At a period when there have arisen so many other general and local Societies, having in view the same objects, it might have been sufficient if the Sussex Archæological Society had been able merely to maintain its ground, and, after six years' exertion, to show no symptom of decay. But it is especially gratifying to find that the progress of its influence and the increase of its numbers in 1852, have been equal to that of former years. Though acting within, and principally drawing its recruits from a limited district, it has yet added 94 Members during the year, and is now based on 555 supporters, among wliom are many of high eminence in literature, not locally connected with the County.
So eminent a success has hitherto marked its career, that the Committee may fairly be content with the soundness of the simple principles on which it was originally founded — entire freedom from political or religious discussion, and the easy admission of all desirous of promoting the preservation and better knowledge of the history and antiquities of Sussex. The rate of contribution was purposely fixed so low that, although the noblemen and landlords of the County have readily associated themselves with the interests of the Society, and have in many cases by personal kindness advanced its prosperity, the representatives of all classes and of all opinions in great numbers have found in it a ready welcome; a convincing example that the respectability and welfare of a Society do not in these times depend on the amount of money payments, but on the cordial union of all for a common purpose.
While thus reverting to past successes, our attention is naturally recalled to the losses occasionally suffered by the death of many valuable Members, and though the list unhappily includes many of the earliest friends of the Society, it is hoped that it will not be thought invidious here to express an especial regret for a few, whose names will be long cherished in the memory, not only of their friends but of the public.
The late Frederic Dixon, Esq., of Worthing, before his premature death, was one of the active founders of this Society, and his zealous exertions in the Committee were freely given, amidst many other avocations. To the early volumes of the Society he contributed the results of his varied knowledge and industry, and in his posthumous work on the Geology of Sussex, there is also much to interest the antiquary. It is agreeable to know that his valuable Museum has since found a worthy home in the choice collection at Alnwick Castle.
Many other Societies, scientific and antiquarian, of which the late Marquis of Northampton was the President and chief ornament, have lamented the abrupt loss of the cheerful exercise of his talents and learning, and it becomes this Society to add this slight tribute to one of their earliest Vice-Presidents, connected bv one of his titles with Sussex.
The recent death of another of our foremost supporters has attracted the attention of a wide public, as well as the particular regrets of this County, with which Dr. Mantell was so intimately connected. His elastic energies were devoted to so many branches of scientific research, with so much original genius, and with such a peculiar felicity in his manner of imparting his discoveries to others, that his publications will always be held in high esteem. Many objects of great value and interest found in Sussex, of which he was a diligent collector from boyhood, were afterwards purchased by the British Museum.
