1865.] NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 77 



graphs of the moon, which we were apt to believe a spotless orb, 

 but we were surprised to find her face full of blemishes presenting 

 an appearance somewhat like an ancient cinder, instead of the poet- 

 ical attributes usually attributed to her. These were a few of 

 the objects before them, of which it was desirable those present 

 should avail themselves, and he trusted the result would be that 

 many would connect themselves with the Society. In conclusion, 

 he would state that the Sommerville lectures, and the scientific 

 monthly meetings, were all open to ladies, and, as he knew many 

 of them were given to the study of scientific subjects, they would 

 be glad to have them present on these occasions. He hoped that 

 all would separate mutually satisfied with the instruction they had 

 received ; and Dr. Smallwood would now proceed to show them 

 his little experiment relative to the rotation of the earth. 



Dr. Smallwood now proceeded to explain by means of a largo 

 pendulum suspended from the ceiling, the experiment alluded to ; 

 tracing in some remarks, the history of the discovery of the earth's 

 motion from the time of Galileo, and was listened to by those 

 present with much attention. 



The numerous visitors, having amused and instructed themselves 

 with the various objects provided for their entertainment, gradually 

 dispersed; carrying with them, there is little doubt, a greater 

 interest in the welfare of the Society. — Newspaper Report. 



MONTHLY MEETING. 



The ordinary meeting of the Society was held on Monday 

 evening, March 6th, the President, Principal Dawson, in the 

 chair. 



Among the more important donations to the Museum and 

 Library during the past month are the following: — 



TO THE MUSEUM. 



The Arctic puffin (Mormon Arctica, Linn.), and the gannet 

 (Sula bassana, Linn.), both from the Lower St. Lawrence; pre- 

 sented by Mr. Pierre Fortin. 



Fiue specimen of the rare cinereous owl (Syrnium cinereum, 

 Baird), shot on the Island of Montreal ; from Mr. Alex. S. Ritchie. 



Twenty-one species of fossils from the Carboniferous Limestone 

 of Ireland and Nova Scotia ; presented by Principal Dawson. 



TO THE LIBRARY. 



Embryology of the starfish, by Alex. Agassiz ; from the author* 



