Natural History Society. 235 



many of the more modern works on Natural History. There is 

 also a prospect that the Committee appointed to organize a sys- 

 tem of exchanges for the Naturalist^ may be able in this way to 

 procure for us some of the scientific periodicals, not now received 

 by the Society. 



It would be of much service to the students of Natural science 

 in Montreal, were there a mutual understanding between the in- 

 stitutions having libraries of reference on science, as, for instance, 

 the McGill College, the Board of Arts and Manufactures, the 

 Geological survey, and th is Society, that in ordering books the one 

 should endeavor, as far as possible, to supplement the deficiencies 

 of the others. The subject is worthy of the attention of the Li- 

 brary Committee in the coming year. 



PUBLIC LECTURES. 



The Somerville course for the past year consisted of the follow- 

 ing Lectures : — 



1. — On the uses and advantages of Foreign Travel, by the Pre- 

 sident, the Lord Bishop of Montreal. 



2. — On Crystallization as a force in Nature, by Principal Daw- 

 son. 



3. — On the History of Astronomy, by Prof. Johnson. 



4.' — On the Microscope, by T. D. King, Esq. 



5. — On the Oyster, by J. Leeming, Esq. 



6. — On Mountains and Volcanoes, by Prof. Hunt. 



In addition to the ordinary Course, the exhibition of the Ferrier 

 collection furnished the occasion of two interesting lectures on 

 the present and ancient state of Egypt, for which we have to 

 thank the Rev. Prof. Cornish and Mr. R. W. Ferrier. 



FINANCIAL POSITION. 



The Treasurer's accounts for the past year still exhibit the efi"ects 

 of the increased expenditure attendant on the removal of the So- 

 ciety to its new building, on which there also remains a debt, 

 secured by mortgage and note, of £850. The Society is now, 

 however, owing to its improved accommodation, in a position 

 much more efliciently to carry out its objects, to increase its 

 membership, and to merit that support from the public and the 

 Legislature, which there is now good reason to expect. 



In the coming year the Legislative aid and members' fees will 

 suffice to meet all the unpaid accounts and interest of the debt, 



