XXII ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
it were chilled by fresh water ice from the river, which is not unlikely 
in the circumstances. The bottom water may enter direct from the 
unmixed water of the Atlantic, as a depth of over 200 fathoms extends 
uninterruptedly from this strait to the ocean. 
‘Tt is clear in any case that there is no cold under-current running 
out along the bottom of the strait, as might be expected in accordance 
with the theory of continuous inflow of cold water at the Strait of Belle 
Isle. 
“The influence of the St. Lawrence upon the currents in the gulf is 
usually much exaggerated. It may, therefore, be well to mention that a 
current of only half a knot per hour through the Strait of Belle Isle 
would admit a volume of water forty times greater than the discharge 
of the St. Lawrence as measured between Montreal and Lake St. Peter. 
“The two main currents at the two sides of Cabot Strait are the most 
important with reference to the interior of the gulf. It is possible that 
the current on the western side may have some relation to the current 
running outward along the Gaspé coast, and the reported direction of 
the current near the Magdalen Islands seems to make this the less im- 
probable. The current along the west coast of Newfoundland might 
possibly prove to be a continuation of the inward current an the eastern 
side of Cabot Strait. Further to the northeast, in the narrower part of 
the gulf towards the Strait of Belle Isle, the current was also found on 
one occasion to be running from the westward at both sides simultane- 
ously, but the circumstances appear then to have been exceptional, as 
already pointed out. 
“These suggestions are made to'show that the currents in Cabot Strait 
require to be further traced, and this should be done both within and 
without the strait, and the facts already ascertained will be helpful as a 
basis in doing so. It may also prove of importance to follow the pro- 
gressive change of temperature in these currents from the early spring 
throughout the summer, as this should give light as to the nature of these 
currents, and would also help in tracing their direction and influence. 
“There is thus an ample choice in deciding upon the best direction in 
which to carry forward the survey of the currents from the basis already 
obtained. It will also be possible to speak with greater certainty regard- 
ing these currents-when they have been more extensively followed and 
investigated.” 
11. THe Propose» CABOT CELEBRATION. 
Some interest has been taken by a few historical students in the sug- 
gestion that was made last vear in the report of the council of the Royal 
Society that there should be a celebration in Canada on the twenty-fourth 
day of June, 1897, in honour of John Cabot, who, four centuries ago, in 
a British ship, manned by English sailors, sailed under the authority of 
