82 THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. [March 



favorable comparison with ordinary public museums in England, 

 and is essentially valuable for its exhibition of local specimens. It 

 has created the nucleus of a useful library of reference on scientific 

 subjects. It has sought to promote original investigation and to 

 foster a taste for the study of nature by its lectures, its papers 

 regularly read, and by its organ the " Canadian Naturalist " 

 which spreads the best attainable information on the natural 

 productions of Canada, not merely among students in the 

 Dominion, but throughout the scientific world where it is favorably 

 known. We believe that the aims and labors of such an associa- 

 tion as ours will enlist the fullest approval of your Royal Highness 

 as they did that of your honoured and lamented father, whose 

 name is revered wherever science is cultivated, as one of its most 

 earnest friends and efficient promoters. 



To which His Royal Highness read the following reply : 



To the Officers and Members of the Natural History Society of 



Montreal, 



Gentlemen, — It is to me a source of great satisfaction to 

 receive this address of welcome at the hands of a Corporation so 

 learned and distinguished, many of whose members have battled so 

 bravely in the cause of science. 



Their achievements in the field of Geology and Organic Che- 

 mistry are well-known, not only to Canadians, but to the scientific 

 world at large, and the meritorious literary contributions in other 

 branches of science afibrd clear indications of the ability and of 

 the attainments of the various members. The establishment of 

 this excellent museum, so full of objects of deep interest, reflects 

 great credit upon this Society. Most praiseworthy are the efforts 

 of the members to popularise the natural sciences, and most 

 sincerely do I off'er to them my congratulations on the success that 



has attended their undertaking. 



ARTHUR. 



Dr. De Sola said : 



May it please your Royal Highness ; Ladies and 

 Gentlemen: 

 The annual conversazione of the Natural History Society, 

 always a gala season for its members, becomes especially so this 

 evening, when we are privileged to welcome to it the honored son 

 of our highly revered and dearly beloved Queen, on whom may 

 God bestow many years of happiness and blessing. On so 



