PROCEEDINGS FOR 189() XI 



It is regrettable that the Instituts Canadiens, at Ottawa and at Quebec, 

 have failed in this particular for several years. The Société Historique 

 of Montreal also has made a merely spasmodic efïbrt from time to time, 

 largely owing, no doubt, to the state of the health and engrossing labours 

 of the leai'ned Abbé Verreau, to whom it chiefly owed what usefulness it 

 attained in the past. The Literar}^ and Historical Society of (Quebec 

 also is wanting in that vitality and energy w^hich we should all like to 

 see exhibited by that historic institution, but that is chiefly owing to the 

 want of adequate pecuniary support. On the other hand, it is gratifying 

 to find that the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal haa 

 started with fresh energy in that historic mansion, the Chateau de 

 Eamezay, which, henceforth, will be devoted to the purposes of an 

 historical museum. In Ontario there is renewed interest taken in historical 

 investigation, and two or more societies — one notably of Toronto ladies — 

 have been formed for the purpose of studying the memorials of the past, 

 and collecting them wherever the}^ can be found. In no better way can 

 the foundation of accurate history be laid than by the collecting of old 

 documents and the encouragement of local histories by the county 

 authorities. The raising of monuments on battlefields associated with 

 famous episodes in Canadian history — like Lundy's Lane, Chateauguay, 

 and Chrystler's Farm — are among the recent evidences of that patriotic 

 spirit which is making Canada a nation. The proposal to erect a 

 monument to Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe, so intimately associated 

 with the foundation of Upper Canada, is also one worthy of public 

 support, and it is most appropriate that it should be placed in the city 

 which became the capital, largely through his eftbrts in 1797, imder the 

 name of York, in the place of Newark, now known as Niagara, whose 

 term of greatness only lasted for five short years. 



12. Meeting of the British Association. 



The Eoyal Society learn with much satisfaction that the British 

 Association for the Advancement of Science will hold their meeting of 

 1897 in the city of Toronto, where arrangements are now being made 

 for their fitting reception. The Eoyal Society at the proper time will be 

 called upon to appoint a committee to draft an address of welcome and 

 present it to the president of the association. 



13. Survey of Tides and Currents in Canadian Waters. 

 Summary of Progress for the Year 1895. 



The following is a summary of the progress made during the year 

 in the above survey, which is being carried on by the Department of 

 Marine and Fisheries, under the direction of W. Bell Dawson, C.E.^ 

 engineer in charge of tidal surveys. 



I [ n r? A r? Y 



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