PROCEEDINGS FOR 1897 XIX 



Point to Quebec vessels have the advantage of the pilot service. It was 

 also necessary to obtain first some knowledge of the gulf currents and 

 their relation to the ocean. No detailed examination has yet been made 

 of the currents in the Atlantic off the outer end of the Strait of Belle 

 Isle, for the assistance of vessels in making the strait. On the alterna- 

 tive steamship route, south of Newfoundland, it is reported that there is 

 a strong indraught into the larger bays ; and to this several wrecks are 

 attributed. The distance from shore that this indraught is felt, and the 

 conditions of wind and tide which give it the greatest strength, should 

 be ascertained. The currents on the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia 

 and at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy also require examination in the 

 interest of the steamship lines running to St. John. Also in the upper 

 part of the bay, navigation is entirely dependent on the tide, and the 

 time and height of the tide itself are there of the first importance. 



As the currents in these regions are chiefly tidal, and their behaviour 

 can only be ascertained by direct comparison with a tidal record, it is im- 

 portant that these investigations should be made as soon as possible, 

 while the present tidal stations are in good working order. 



Before leaving this important subject, to which the Eoyal Society 

 has always devoted its earnest attention, the council feel called upon to 

 express their regret that the government of the Dominion have reduced 

 the expenditure on this service for the ensuing financial year from $15,- 

 000 to $2,500 in accordance with their policy of reducing expenses in 

 those departments that are not considered absolutely necessary for the 

 present. It is to be regretted that the Department of Marine and Fish- 

 eries has not seen its way clear to the effective continuance of a service 

 which must be of incalculable advantage to the great maritime and com- 

 mercial interests of the Dominion. We hope that the government will 

 reconsider their recent decision and at another session of Parliament 

 recommend a larger vote for the service. We hojje that the merchants 

 and shipowners, at home and abroad, interested in the commerce of 

 Canada, will unite in pressing the favourable consideration of the subject 

 upon the authorities at Ottawa. 



The following facts from various sources show the high estimate of 

 the work already performed : 



In reviewing the work of this survey, the Liverpool " Journal of 

 Commerce '' (of 6th Feb., 1896) speaks of the work as an excellent one, 

 and compliments the Department of Marine and Fisheries on the early 

 result of their researches, and the laudable desire to supply accurate in- 

 formation ; and adds that the reports should be placed in the hands of 

 <3very ^navigator, trading in the region concerned, without charge. From 

 the reports of progress which have been issued, two comprehensive sum- 

 maries have already been made by Dr. Gerhard Schott for his " Annuals 



