»» BULLETIN OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 



adopt the Boulton process. A paper on this subject by E. T. P. 

 Shewen, Esq., C. E., which was read before the Society, has 

 been published by the Public Works Department in the Report 

 of 1896. 



GENERAL. 



Two field meetings were held — one at Tngleside, the summer 

 residence of President Hay, the other at Red Head, the summer 

 residence of Vice-President H. G. Addy. Both were largely 

 attended. The first had a decided advantage in point of weather; 

 the second was rendered less pleasant by heavy rains which set 

 in shortly after luncheon and continued all the afternoon. 



In September last, Dr. Geo. F. ^Matthew attended the meet- 

 ing of the British Association at Liverj)Ool, G. B., where he read 

 a paper on the Early Cambrian Faunas. On his return the 

 Society tendered him a reception which was much enjoyed by 

 the members and their friends. The Council take this opportu- 

 nity to express their hearty appreciation of the work done by 

 the associate members on this occasion. Nothing could exceed 

 the energy with which the ladies entered into the room improve- 

 ments, while the arrangements for refreshments were made with 

 a degree of care which contributed greatly to the success of the 

 reception. 



The Council desire to thank the St. John press for the free 

 insertion of notices and reports of meetings ; and those who con- 

 tributed papers during the year. 



This report would be incomplete if we failed to express the 

 hope that in the future we should possess rooms in which we 

 could exhibit our collections to better advantage and extend the 

 scope of our work. We have now nearly reached our greatest 

 capacity, and we cannot hope to add much to our collections 

 until our (at present Utopian) new building has become a reality. 



In conclusion, the Council draws j^our attention to the fact 

 that the past year has been a remarkable one in many respects. 

 Never before have the field meetings been so largely attended ; 

 the accessions to the library and membership exceed in impor- 

 tance those of any other year; the Museum has had many note- 

 worthy additions ; while to be represented at meetings of the 

 British Association as this Society was last year, would be an 

 advantage to any organization engaged in the study of Natural 

 History, 



Respectfully submitted, 



PERCY G. HALL, 



Secretary. 



