232 THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. [June, 



geological and mineral resources of Canada ; and your Council 

 would suggest that the present time seems a very appropriate one^ 

 on the occasion of the publication of his general work on Canadian 

 Geoloo:y. 



Some defects in the chimneys (caused by the method of warming 

 the rooms of the Society) gave rise to some necessary repairs (which 

 were stated to be of frequent occurrence) ; a .d it was deemed ad- 

 visable to consult with Messrs. Prowse & McFarlane as to the 

 cheapest and best way of keeping the rooms warm during the winter 

 months. It was thought desirable to erect a hot-air furnace; but 

 action in this matter was not taken until somewhat late in the 

 season, which consequently incurred a somewhat large expenditure 

 for coal, which will be obviated in future, by purchasing it at an 

 earlier period. A contract was entered into with Messrs. Prowse & 

 McFarlane,who, in a most generous and liberal spirit, offered to give 

 a long credit if required, for the cost of its erection. Your Council 

 fully believe that in the end it will effect a considerable saving. 

 Double windows are also required, at a cost of about $100. Your 

 Council would respectfully urge this on the attention of their suc- 

 cessors. 



New cases have been made for the reception of the mammals, 

 and also a cabinet for the collection of insects. Some new cases 

 have been set up for the reception of specimens of Canadian fishes, 

 also four or five additional cases for birds. Much remains to be 

 done in this department, and a still greater want of proper cases 

 and cabinets for the reception of the numerous specimens already 

 classified. 



Your Council would beg to tender to Mr. Ferrier, the treasurer, 

 the thanks of the Society for the liberality with which he has at 

 all time made advances for the purposes of liquidating the more 

 urgent demmds of the current expenses of the Society. Your 

 Coancil would also bear a willing testimony to the efficiency of 

 Mr. Hunter, who has discharged his duties with satisfaction : and 

 it is pleasing to be able to testify to his obliging and kind manner 

 on all occasions, and also to make mention of many specimens of 

 fishes and birds furnished by him to the Museum. 



The Council would also report that they have received a grant 

 ■of money (though of smaller amount than in any previous year) 

 from the Government for the past year ; and would also further 

 state with re.^ret, that no action has at present been taken to dis- 

 charge the debt still due by the Society. 



