124 THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. ix. 



the flufhets of melting snows in neighbouring fields, sometimes 

 from the canal direct. These carted waters are usually very 

 impure. The water flowing from Montreal mountain is however 

 of good quality. At the Mile End also, water carters purvey 

 water from the quarry ponds, full of animalculge and vegetable 

 matter, which is unfit for domestic use. 



At Mount Ro3"al Yale surface water is collected which is well 

 mingled with clay, and when clear this water appears to be of 

 good quality but rather hard. An analysis of this water in April 

 last, o'ave the followino; result : 



Organic carbon - - 4.20 



Carbonate of lime - - 14.40 



Silica and alkaline salts - 2.40 



Hardness by Clark 14*^ 21.00 



At Lachine also, better waters, although somewhat harder, are 

 obtained from local wells than from the river water. I found 

 that in the month of March, 1878, the river water eave 

 Organic carbon - - 3.1 



Mineral salts - - - 9.6 



12.7 grains, 



and that it also contained excess of albuminoid nitrogen. 



It would therefore appear highly desirable for the hygienic 

 welfare of our suburban residents and our summer visitors, that 

 the Montreal water works should be considerably extended, and 

 the filtered water distributed from our mountain reservoirs to the 

 whole outlying districts. This great improvement^ which I have 

 consistently and persistently advocated for some years, I hope to 

 live to see an accomjjlished fact. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATURAL HISTORY 

 SOCIETY OF MONTREAL. 



The fifth meeting of this Society for the present session was 

 held on the evening of Monday, April 7th. 

 Principal Dawson occupied the chair. 



The minutes of last ordinary meeting and also of last meeting 

 of Council were read and approved. 



Five new members were elected, and two proposed. 



