XXVIII EOYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA. 



There can be no rational answer to negative the demand. It is, indeed, gratifying to have 

 observed, during the past two years, the increasing interest talîeu in the demand for a larger repre- 

 sentation of Canadian literature in our schools, as indicated by letters and leading articles in our 

 newspapers, and it may not be speaking beyond the fact to say that the historical and pioneer societies 

 throughout the Dominion — becoming daily more influential — have had something to do with the 

 existing popularity of the subject. The good work in this direction already accomplished by the 

 Pioneer and Historical Society in Toronto, so ably presided over by the venerable Dr. Scadding, and 

 the Lundy's Lane Association, with its energetic president. Canon Bull, entitles these organizations to 

 the highest regards of thoughtful and cultivated men. 



If I have rightly understood their motives, the many historical societies throughout the Dominion 

 have a common object, and that is to assist with all the power of their influence in laying broad and 

 deep the foundations upon which the future of this larger part of the continent may assuredly and 

 safely rest, and this they believe may be attained by encouraging patriotic sentiment. United, their 

 efforts will certainly be crowned with success ; separated, the result may be doubtful. I am, there- 

 fore, impressed that no time should be lost in calling a convention of delegates from all of these 

 associations, and that such convention shall arrange for a united membership, and adopt rules to 

 direct and govern the entire combination. Such a confederation would attract to itself enlarged mem- 

 bership and enhanced resources, suflîcient to enable it to propagate its principles and extend its 

 influence to the utmost borders of the Dominion. 



In conclusion I may say that the rugged manhood of Canada has so far overcome every 

 obstacle in the way of progress, from the first French colonies jjlanted in Quebec only to be 

 decimated by starvation and the rigour of the climate, to the war of 1812-14, when the total population 

 of the two provinces, barely reaching 275,000, successfully resisted the invasion of a nation at the 

 time possessing a population of 8,000,000. In no boastful spirit should all this be remembered, but 

 still it should be remembered. 



To-day we are in the full enjoyment of peace, plenty and prosperity, governed and protected by 

 laws and institutions unsurpassed for their purity, equity and intelligence. Let us do our best to 

 transmit these blessings to those who come after us, and we will have accomplished a work that we 

 shall never be ashamed of. 



VIII. — From The Hamilton Association for the Promotion of Science, Literature and Art, 



through Mr. T. McIlavraith. 



The session just closed has been a successful one, whether the work done, the papers read, or the 

 attendance of members be considered. No less than forty-six new members have been added to the 

 roll, the number of bona fide members being now 156. 



During the year seven general meetings have been held, at which the following p.apers have 

 been read and discussed : — 



" The Early History of Hamilton and its Neighbourhood," by the President, B. E. Charlton. 



" The Surface Geologj' of the County of Lincoln and Neighbouring Counties," by D. F. H. 

 Wilkins, B.A. 



" Egypt with an Account of the Book of the Dead," illustrated by the British Museum /ac simile 

 of the Papyrus of Ani, written at the close of the fourteenth ccutury, B.C. 



" Connecting Links," by H. B. Sruall. 



" Flutes of the Time of Moses," by J. E. P. Aldous, B.A., and Biological Notes, by William Yates 



"Electricity as a Source of Light and Heat," with experiments, by J. T. Crawford, B.A. 



" Botanical Jottings," by A. Alexander. 



