A- 16 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA. 



If we compare the shipping of the countries thus ehissitied (and the 

 shipping has an important reUition to the Nautical Ahuanac), we find 

 that the first list, that is to say, the countries in favour of adopting the 

 civil day for agronomical purposes, represents seventeen-twentieths, or 

 S5 per cent of the tonnage of the worlds marine. 



Thus, it appeai-s that there is a preponderating weight of opinion 

 among astronomers themselves, that a change should be made in the 

 astronomical day. The Joint Committee, therefore, feel warranted in 

 recommending that the Home Authorities be informed of the facts and 

 that a respectful appeal be made to have the Nautical Almanac adapted 

 to the change ]iroposed to take effect at the beginning of the coming 

 Century. The Joint Committee are of opinion that the proper course is 

 to lay before His Excellency the Governor General a respectful memorial 

 askin"- His Excellency to bring the whole matter to the attention of the 

 Imperial Government in order that some common intei-national under- 

 standing may be reached, b}' which all nations shall assent to the 

 change ; and in order that the Nautical Almanac which has to be 

 prepared four or five years in advance may be made conformable to the 

 change. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



Sandford Fleming, 

 Chairman of the Joint Committee of the (Canadian Institute and 



the Astronomical and Physical Society of Toronto. 

 Toronto, 10th May, 1894. 



