XLII ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
The minutes of the last annual meeting being read and approved, 
Mr. P. B. Casgrain proceeded to read the annual report of the Council 
for 1899. 
The society is happy to announce that, owing to the liberality of 
several generous friends, it is now entering into a brighter era as to its 
financial position. 
Among its benefactors it has pleasure in naming the late Mrs. Ren- 
frew, the widow of Mr. Geo. Renfrew, one of its oldest and most worthy 
members, who recently bequeathed the society a legacy of $500.00. 
Dr. James Douglas, now of New York, one of its former most zeal- 
ous presidents, who recently donated $500.00, with a promise of $500.00 
additional whenever the society’s endownment fund should reach $10,000; 
and Archibald Campbell, Esq., of Thornhill, one of its recent esteemed 
past presidents, who presented the society with an additional cheque for 
$100.00. 
The endowment fund has also, during the year, been increased by 
two life subscriptions of $40 each from two life members, Hon. John 
Sharples, M.L.C., and Felix Carbray, Esq., M.P.P. 
Amidst these subjects of congratulation, the society, however, re- 
grets to have to express its disappointment at the discontinuance of the 
Government annual grant of $750 received for so many years in aid of 
the publication of the society’s historical researches, etc., in the annual 
Transactions. 
In May, 1887, when $500.00 was granted by the Provincial Govern- 
ment to the Institut Canadien, Hon. D. A. Ross, then Attorney-General, 
informed the council in writing that : “that it was by inadvertence that 
nothing was granted to the society...... this error will be remedied 
next session.” 
The society is still awaiting the fulfilment of this efficient pledge. 
The society owes a debt of gratitude to the Governors of Morrin 
College for their liberal dealings with it and for the use of their Convo- 
cation Hall for the winter course of lectures, etc. 
The reading room and library continue to attract crowds of 
strangers and distinguished visitors desirous of consulting our archives 
and rare books on Canadian annals. 
As further inducements to join our ranks, the society counts on hav- 
ing shortly in addition to its splendid collection of standard reviews and 
magazines, about $1,000 worth of new books on history, travel, general 
literature, ete. 
The winter course of lectures has been well attended. Dr. MacRae 
lectured on “Abelard and the rise of the Universities;” and Professor 
