474 THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. X. 



I must not forget thus publicly to thcink Prof. Lockwood. of 

 PriccetoD, for his kindness in making up our record of earth- 

 quakes for our proceedings. It shows, like former reports, some 

 remarkable connections of earthquakes with certain seasons of 

 the year, and also their connection locally with the junction of 

 the Laurentian with the newer formations. 



An interesting communication by one of our younger members 

 was that of Mr. Walter Ferrier on new forms of animal impres- 

 sions from the Potsdam sandstone. In connection with this I 

 should say here that the similar impressions from Gaspe, referred 

 to at the meeting, had been named in a paper read last spring 

 by Mr. Whiteaves, but not yet published, Gi/richnites, a name 

 which would also apply to Mr. Ferrier's specimens. 



The small number of original contributions made to this society 

 is a matter for much regret. We need to cultivate scientific 

 writers, whether from among our own young men or from abroad. 

 There is no doubt that in the comparative absence of men of 

 combined culture and leisure, and in the heavy pressure of business 

 on all our younger men, scientific research cannot greatly flourish, 

 but there is the more need for its cultivation and encouragement 

 by such societies as this. 



We have to thank the newly constituted Royal Society of 

 Canada for inviting us to send a delegate to its annual meeting. 

 One of our younger scientific men has been chosen to this office, 

 and he will present to the Royal Society a short notice of our 

 scientific work during the session. 



In conclusion allow me to say that while I reiiret that it is 

 probable I cannot be present at any of the meetings of this society 

 next winter, and while on this account I deem it right to decline 

 being a candidate for re-election as president of the society, I hope 

 that I shall be able when absent, occasionall}! to contribute notes 

 and specimens to the meetings, and that on my return I may be 

 able to advance the interests of the society with renewed vigor, 

 and perhaps with more leisure for scientific pursuits. 



