xvi Proceedings. [January 6th, igoj. 



reflected from the polished surfaces of some specimens is that, 

 the thick parts of the pattern cooling more slowly than the thin 

 parts, the density would be different, and the raised pattern 

 would be reproduced on the polished front of the mirror in plane 

 surfaces. The mirrors are of different sizes and may vary in 

 thickness according to size, but, as they are cast in moulds, 

 those of each size would be approximately of the same thickness ; 

 therefore the ex|)lanation can scarcely be correct, as all specimens 

 of the mirrors do not produce the reflected or " magic " pictures. 

 A dealer in Japanese goods once informed me that he had 

 examined many dozens of miirors, and out of more than lOO 

 only two were of the " magic " sort. 



Professor F. E. Weiss, D.Sc, gave an account of some of 

 the botanical features of Western America, based upon observa- 

 tions made during his recent visit to that country. Westward 

 of Winnipeg lie the fertile plains of Manitoba, representing the 

 floor of a great inland sea of a former geological epoch. These 

 are admirably suited for wheat raising, and at present successive 

 wheat crops can be obtained without having resort to rotation 

 of crops or manuring. Summer fallowing from time to time is 

 sufficient for the recuperation of the soil. Many experiments 

 have been made at the Government experimental farms to 

 provide the settlers in Manitoba with fruit trees suited to the 

 rigour of the climate, and Dr. Saunders has been successful in 

 obtaining several valuable hybrids by crossing the Siberian Crab 

 {Pyrus baccata) with different varieties of the apple. Many 

 thousands of trees, chiefly of the Manitoba Maple {Negundo 

 aceroides), are distributed yearly to farmers to form shelter belts 

 around their homesteads. 



In the Canadian Rockies the dominant trees are the White 

 and Black Spruces, the Canadian Hemlock, the Arbor Vitae 

 {Thuja occidentalis) and the Balsam Fir, yielding the Canada 

 balsam. 



Crossing the " Great Divide " the vegetation becomes more 

 luxurious, owing to the greater rainfall and to the milder climate 

 resulting from the warm ocean current on the Pacific Coast. 



