June] NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 211 



The Conversazione, held on the 18th of February, was lively 

 and interesting, and the Council believe was very acceptable to 

 the members generally. The President gave an interesting 

 address on the value of Scientific Education and Schools of 

 Science for Adults. Prof. Johnson and Dr. Smallwood exhibited 

 and explained a variety of philosophical apparatus, kindly lent 

 by McGill College. Dr. J. B. Edwards exhibited and floated 

 in the Museum, Plateau's Soap Bubbles charged with gas, 

 which Mr. Charles Baillie illuminated with the Electric Light 

 and maintained it steadily throughout the evening. A pro- 

 gramme of excellent music was provided by Herr Mayerhoifer 

 and his friends, the German Choral Society. A good display 

 of Microscopes under the charge of members of the Montreal 

 Microscopic Club, attracted great attention in the Library, 

 which was also adorned with some valuable works of art, arranged 

 by Mr. J. P. Clark. 



On the 2nd February, an address was presented at the Court 

 House, to the Governor General, Sir J. Young, who accepted the 

 same with cordiality, and expressed his willingness to lend his aid 

 to the Society, by becoming its Patron. The following day Hia 

 Excellency visited the Museum, and was received by the Officers 

 of the Society. He carefully examined the collections, and 

 expressed his pleasure and interest therein. 



We are indebted to the exertions of our esteemed Scientific 

 Curator, Mr. Whiteaves, for very valuable additions to our 

 Museum, partly presented and partly purchased, which will be 

 enumerated in his report. These add greatly to the attractive 

 character of the collection. 



The membership of the Society during the year has somewhat 

 diminished. The additions have been 14 — losses 17 ; other 

 sources of income are below the average ; and in consideration of 

 the loss of income by the presentation of Life membership to 

 subscribers towards the debt, it becomes the duty of the friends 

 of the Society to seek further additions to its ranks, and your 

 Council would recommend an active canvass for new members 

 and for subscribers to the Quarterly Journal, during the coming 

 year. To the active officers of the Society, especially our indus- 

 trious Curator, Mr, Whiteaves, our skilful bird-stuffer, Mr. 

 Hunter, and our indefatigibable Treasurer, James Ferrier, jun., 

 Esq., the Society owes its best thanks for steady and hearty 

 co-operation. 



