76 THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. [Feb. 



pursuits, and for this purpose they had collected a number of ob- 

 jects illustrative of various departments in natural history, and 

 endeavored to create an interest in such studies by popular free- 

 lectures, which, he trusted, would do something to diffuse a taste 

 for such pursuits. In years gone by they had done something in 

 this direction ; but of late their means and appliances had been 

 much improved, which was due in a great measure to the care and 

 exertion of Mr. Whiteaves. The objects in the Society's Museum 

 generally, had been better arranged ; and any person by looking 

 over the collection might obtain a considerable amount of informa- 

 tion. Lastly, in regard to the scientific department, he must ob- 

 serve it was less popular ; they had, nevertheless, been trying to 

 make original discoveries in geology and other branches. These 

 had been discussed in their journal and at their monthly meetings, 

 as most people who knew anything of the Society's proceedings 

 were aware. By means of the journal, too, information had been 

 diffused in other countries as to what was doing here. In all these 

 ways they had been trying to advance the cause, and they invited 

 those present here this evening, in order that they might take an 

 interest in the Society, and give it such countenance and support 

 as they were able, this being the principal object of the entertain- 

 ment. In regard to the objects exhibited, an illustration would be 

 given of the electric telegraph; as well as of the fire-alarm tele- 

 graph, which he hoped would alarm no one. Dr. Smallwood had 

 also swung a long pendulum by which he intended to show that 

 the earth still moves, and spins round with all its weight of civili- 

 zation as merrily as ever. Upon the table in front of the platform 

 was an ancient Canadian fossil (the Eozoon Canadense), an exam- 

 ple of the humble organic structure which ushered the dawn of 

 life into the world ; and beside it was the cast of a skull found in 

 a cave in Belgium with the bones of extinct species of mammoths, 

 with which it was believed to be contemporaneous. The old gen- 

 tleman in question might have dined with Methuselah ; and some 

 thought that he might even have existed before Adam, — which, 

 however, he (Dr. Dawson) did not believe. It was an ordinary 

 long-headed skull of the Celtic type. A number of persons had also 

 contributed microscopes with many objects not easy of collection. 

 Mr. McCord had exhibited his collection of Canadian Ferns; 

 and a series of water-color drawings of Canadian Fishes had been 

 received from Mr. Fowler, who, it was hoped, would continue his 

 labors in this direction. Behind him were a number of photo- 



