1864.] natural history society. 231 



Conversazione. 



The second annual conversazione was held in the Society's rooms 

 on the evening of the l^nd of February, and was, as on a former 

 occasion, very well attended. Some works of art were exhibited, and 

 also several microscopes find other philosophical instruments. A 

 variety of very successful chemicil experiments were shown by 

 Prof. Robbins ; and dissolving views were also kindly exhibited by 

 Mr. C. Hearn, optician. Addresses wf^re delivered by the President, 

 Dr. Dawson, Hon. Mr. Sheppard, and Professor Miles. Efforts on 

 the part of your Council were mad to secure several scientific and 

 literary friends from a distance, but who, from various causes, 

 could not be present. The Hon. Mr. Sheppard of Drummond- 

 ville, and Professor Miles of Lennoxville College, were the only 

 two gentlemen who kindly assisted on the occasion. 



Your Council would also beg to mention, that, owing to the kind- 

 ness of Col. Dunlop, the Band of t e Royal Artillery perf rmed 

 some choice pieces of music during the evening. 



The success of these re-unions has been very decided ; and 

 your Council fondly hope, that they have proved a source of great 

 intellectual enjoyment to those persons present,and which they trust 

 will tend to prove the increasing desire on the part of the citizens 

 of Montreal generally for the attainment of a knowledge of Natu- 

 ral History and its kindred sciences. 



In connection with this subject your Council would state, that a 

 Course of twelve Lectures on Geology, and twelve on Botany, were 

 delivered by Mr. Whiteaves in the rooms of the Society and under 

 its auspices during the past winter, at a reduced charge to members 

 of the Society. The results were satisfactory, and some additional 

 members were thus obtained, and some few donations to the library. 



Miscellaneous. 



Your Council, in accordance with the desire of the Society, have 

 caused the silver medal to be transmitted to Dr. Daniel Wilson of 

 Toronto, bearing an appropriate inscription, to which Dr. Wilson 

 has returned a very suit ible and feeling reply. 



And your Council, in furtherance of the objects of the Society,, 

 and in accordance with its constitution, would recommend that the 

 Society's silver medal for this year be presented to Sir W. E.. 

 Logan, one of the early and very active members of the Society, 

 and who has so long and so well labored in developing the vast 



