PEOCEEDINGS FOE 1889, XXXVII 



doing its share in promoting the advance of knowledge in Canada. It is a hopeful sign when mer- 

 chants and manufacturers pause in the midst of their pursuit of gain to occupy themselves with the 

 wholesome task of stmlying God's works in nature, bj- the help of the microscope or crucible. This 

 is no uncommon phenomenon in ilontrcai, and to the Natural History Society a large share of the 

 credit is duo of fostering so enlightened a taste; while the success of the Society itself is, in turn, 

 largely due to the hearty cooperation and countenance of the scientific experts belonging to the staff 

 of McGill University. The field for observation and investigation presented by our couuti-y is large 

 and varied; but the band of scientific exjjloreis is still very limited. This, however, is a state of 

 things which maj^ be expected every year to improve, and the Eoyal Society, whose function it is to 

 take the lead in all matter.-s pertaining to the progress of knowledge in the Dominion, may, in return 

 for its countenance and encouragement, count upon the continued zeal and earnestness of the Natural 

 History Society of Montreal, in advancing that special department of knowledge with which its name 

 is associated. 



It is understood that the question of holding the meetings of the Eoyal Society in dift'ei'ent parts 

 of the Dominion is mooted. If it shall be thought advantageous to assemble occasionally elsewhere 

 than at the Capital, I feel that I may take it upon me to say, that should it bo your pleasure to fix 

 upon Montreal as j^oui- next place of meeting, the Society which I have the honor to represent here 

 to-day will extend to you a cordial welcome, and I am sure I may say also on behalf of the other 

 afiSliated societies, that they will join heartily in the endeavour to make j-our stay in the city pleasant 

 and profitable. 



XII. — Fi-om The Natural Ilistonj Society of New Brunswick, through Prof. Bailey. 



I have the honor to report, on behalf of the Natural History Society of New Brunswick, that in 

 January, 1889, the Societj- completed the twenty-seventh year of its existence, under the presidency of 

 Mr. G. F. Matthew, appointed in succession to the late Dr. LeB. Botsford, who for a number of years 

 past has honorably occupied the presidential chair. 



During the year now closed the Society has made a fair degree of progress, and has been assisted 

 by the usual grant from the Provincial Legislature. Considerable additions have been made to the 

 library by donations, by jiurchase, and by exchange of publications ; among them there is a donation 

 of books on English archaeology, piesented by the coadjutor Bishop, the Eight- Eev. Di-. Kingdon. 



The museum also has received considerable accessions during the past year, and aifoi'ds a source 

 of pleasure and instruction to numerous visitors. 



Nine regular meetings have been held during the past year, at which the following papers were 

 read : — 



1888. 



Feb'y 7. Echinodermata of New Brunswick, by W. F. Ganong. 



March 6. Oyster beds of New Brunswick, by Eev. H. W. Winkley. 



Does our Indigenous Flora give Evidence of a recent Change in Climate ? by Jas. 

 Vroom. 



April 3. The Habits of Birds, by M. Chamberlain. 



May 1. History of Fossil Plants, by G. F. Matthew. 



" IG. Weeds, by G. U. Hay. 



Oct. 2. Meteorological Instruments and their Uses, by W. F. Best. 



Nov. G. Earliest Denizens of the Land and Air, by G. F. Matthew. 



Dec. 4. Zoological notes, by W. F. Ganong. 



1889. 



Jan. G. Some Characteristics of Molluscs, by G. F. Matthew. 



