PEOCEEDINGS FOE 1892. XXX Y 



political and economic science. This class has a wide limit and receives liberal privileges from the 

 institute. The present associates, who are restricted in age to "21 years, are known as juniors. 



The rules of the library and reading-room have also been remodelled ; the new rules came into 

 force on the Ist of February, and are being carried out to the advantage of the members. 



In addition to the regular sessional meetings of the biological section, several successful field-day 

 excursions were organized last summer, in which a large number of plants were identified and 

 collected. 



The membership of the historical section has increased from 27 to 45. Through the exertions of 

 this section a most enjoyable and successful summer convention was held at Penetanguishone on the 

 25th and 26th of September, 1891. The Christian Island was visited. Fort Stc. Marie, at the village 

 of St. .Joseph, explored, and Fori Ste. Marie, on the River "Wye, near Midland, also carefully examined. 

 A movement was set on foot to purchase the land on which this interesting historical memorial of 

 the earliest settlement of that portion of our province stands. The negotiations have resulted in an 

 offer being made to the institute, at a reasonable price, of a sufficient area of land to protect 

 thoroughly the remains of the Ibrt. The institute appeals to the IÎ03\'il Society for its aid in 

 bringing this subject prominently before the attention of the governments of the province and 

 Dominion. 



The adoption of the "■ twenty-four hour notation " — known historically as the " Italian notation " — 

 of time by all the railwaj-s of America on the 12th October next, the 400th anniversary of the first 

 sighting of the new world by Columbus, has been recommended by the American Society of Civil 

 Engineers. The institute cannot but recognize in this proposal an appropriate and graceful com- 

 pliment to the fatherland of the illustrious discoverer. The institute will hail with much satisfaction 

 this further result of a movement in the initiation of which the Royal Society of Canada, as well as 

 the Canadian Institute, has taken part. 



A paper on " Peach Yellows," a disease threatening to decimate our oi-chards, presented by Dr. 

 W. R. Shaw, created much interest, and led to seveial influential deputations of fruit-growers accom- 

 panying a committee from the institute to wait on the government of the province of Ontario. The 

 sessioi^was too far advanced to introduce any legislation on the lines asked for. There is no doubt 

 that during next session the much-needed legislation will be granted ; and some aid may be required 

 from the Dominion Govei'nmcnt in preventing importation of diseased trees or seeds. 



The subject of Electoral Representation and the Rectification of Parliament has been brought to 

 the attention of the institute, and has created great interest. A friend, who declines to make known his 

 name, has generously placed the sum of $1,000 at the disposal of the council, to be awarded in whole 

 or in part for the best measure which, if made law, would give to the whole Canadian people equal 

 representation in parliament, and each elector due weight in the government through parliament. 



The conditions of the competition have i-eceived the most careful consideration of the council, 

 and will be made public in a few days. 



The institute acknowledges the liberality of the provincial government in continuing the archœo- 

 logical grant. The report of our cui'ator for this year has been so much sought after that the edition 

 is already exhausted. 



The institute regrets that an agreement entered into with the Public Library Board of Toronto 

 for the transfer of the custody of our collection has been unfortunately interfered with by adverse 

 action of the City Council, though there is still a prospect of ai-rangcments being arrived at which 

 will carry out in part this plan. 



The institute will be represented and will take part in the appi'oaching centennial celebration of 

 the formation of the province of Upper Canada and the institution of parliamentary self-government 

 by colonies. 



The institute considers this an opportune time to urge on all its sister societies the importance of 

 taking advantage of the occasion to bring before public notice, and especially before the several 



