CVI ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
present engaged in continuing the investigation and has already tested 
some new methods of observation, which afford considerable improvement 
in the determination of time by a portable transit instrument. 
The third paper, by Mr. C. A. Biggar, D.L.S., gave a historical] 
resumé of the inception and development of geodetic surveys, treated in 
a thorough manner some of the technical details in which improvement 
in accuracy can be attained, and gave an account of the work already 
done and projected in the Geodetic Survey of Canada. 
The fourth paper, by Dr. W. F. King, treated several obscure points 
in the theory of least squares, removing the difficulties usually felt by 
students in the proof of the fundamental theorem. The assumptions 
involved in the proofs usually given were discussed with a view to placing 
the whole subject on a more logical basis. Dr. King gave six proofs 
of the law of error, and developed some practical applications of one 
of the methods. The paper is shortly to be published in full so as to be 
available to everyone. 
Dr. Klotz’s paper on the Seismograph has not yet been given, but 
there is no doubt that it will maintain the high standard already set. 
The transactions of the section will appear in the Journal of the 
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, a new bi-monthly publication, 
the first issue of which appeared in February of this year. This new 
astronomical periodical has received very favourable comments from the 
leading astronomers and astronomical publications and is decidedly 
creditable to Canadian astronomical science. The Ottawa Section 
have no reason to feel ashamed of their share in its contents and it is 
hoped to maintain and improve the present standard. 
An astronomical handbook containing general astronomical data, 
ephemerides, etc., was issued by the Toronto Section in the beginning 
of the year and is a useful manual for both the amateur and professional 
astronomer. Both these publications are distributed free to all mem- 
bers. 
The prospects, not only of this section, but of the society as 4 
whole, are very promising and it is evidently, in Ottawa, meeting with 
hearty support. The membership now includes 110 names, the majority 
of whom are persons of the true scientific spirit and the officers have 
every hope of even greater success next season. 
IX.—From The New Brunswick Historical Society, through 
Mr. S. D. Scorr. 
1 have the honour to represent the New Brunswick Historical 
Society, which has been holding regular meetings for more than a quarter 
of a century, and whose published records include many volumes of 
studies in local history. 
