PROCEEDINGS FOR 1886. IX 
3. American Ornithology, by Mr. Thomas Mcllwraith. 
4. Pessimism, by Rev. Samuel Lyle. 
5. The Phosphate Trade of Canada, by Dr. H. B. Small. 
6. Telegraphic Communication with a Moving Train, by Mr. George Black. 
7. Life in Nature and Evolution in Life, by Mr. J. Alston Moffatt. 
Our Association is fortunate in having as a member Mr. Thomas MeclIlwraith, who, has contribu- 
ted during this Session so mt'h original work to the Biology Section, in the shape of a full 
description of no less than two hundred and fifty birds of Canada. This important work has been 
handed over unconditionally to ‘he Association, and will be published and distributed shortly, and 
will form a valuable addition to the science of ornithology. 
The Geological Section has not been overlooked, for Lt.-Col. Grant and other members have 
added to our collection of specimens. 
The Reading Room has been supplied with some of the leading scientific magazines and reviews. 
Our present membership is one hundred and forty-five, twenty-four new members having been 
admitted during the Session. 

V.—From the Murchison Scientific Society of Belleville, through Mr. T. Writs. 
In presenting the report of the Murchison Scientific Society of Belleville, we have to express 
our regret that, in consequence of the pressing business engagements of so many of our members, not 
much original work has been done during the past year, but papers have been read on the following 
subjects: Fresh Water Sponges, the Early History of Electricity, Fruit and Flowers, and Physio- 
logical and Pathological Chemistry. Meetings have been regularly held, and several microscopical 
exhibitions have been given. The Society was honoured by a visit from the members of the Phar- 
maceutical Society of Ontario, which held its convention in Belleville, in August, and the conver- 
sazione which was given in their honour was well attended. Progress continues to be made with 
the Museum, and a number of valuable and interesting articles have lately been presented which add 
much to the attractiveness of the collection. 
The officers for the present year are :— 
IP TOSI END serres mere rm since nance Mr. Thos. Wills. 
Wice-Bresidcnibe sceseavsrses eee cree eee ee Mr, O. C. Greenleaf. 
SWCIREIENEY? -Houcorsoc dot ondonbeones once e ec e 7 sogadeqd Mr. W. R. Smith. 
IPTOABSUTEL seems des des sm rc esse trente se ess Mr. E. W. Edwards. 
VI.—From the Institut Canadien-français d'Ottawa, through Mr. F. R. E. Camera, C. St.-S. 
Le bureau de direction de l'Institut Canadien-français d’Ottawa, fier comme les années précé- 
dentes de l'honneur que lui a fait la Société Royale du Canada en l’invitant à présenter un rapport 
sur ses opérations de l’année courante, peut se vanter de l’état comparativement prospère de ses 
finances. 
Nous avons éprouvé, le 6 avril 1885, une perte considérable par l'effondrement du toit de notre 
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édifice, mais les souscriptions généreuses de ses membres et d’autres personnes sympathiques 
2 I 5 1 ) 
s’elèvant à près de sept cents dollars, ont couvert une partie de nos frais de reconstruction, qui se 
montent à plus de seize cents dollars. 
Le gouvernement d’Ontario continue à accorder l'allocation annuelle de trois cents dollars, ce 
qui est d’un grand secours pour nous, surtout dans cette période critique que nous avons à traverser. 
re de nos membres titulaires es ux cent trente-sept. 
Le nombre d bres titula t de deux cent trente-sept 
Pendant l’année littéraire qui vient de s’écouler, onze conférences ont été données devant 
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Proc. 1886. B. 
