Section III., 1908. [ 209 ] 1 kans. R. S. C. 



XX. — The Need of a ''Rational Almanac." 

 By Moses B. Cotsvvoeth, F.G.S., of York, England. 



[Prefatory Note. — Mr. Cotsworth was introduced to the Section 

 by Sir Sandford Fleming, K.O.M.G., who spoke of him as a gentleman 

 who had given prolonged attention to the subject — one of universal im- 

 portance — which he was about to discuss. Sir Sandford proceeded to 

 make a few remarks on the general subject of " A Reformed Calendar." 

 It has been thought desirable, to prefix his observations to Mr. Cots- 

 worth's paper.] 



Sir Sandford Fleming's Address. 



The calendar of days, weeks and months, which we have inherited 

 from past ages, is found in many quarters to be inadequate for our 

 modem requirements, especially in many branches of industrial life, 

 in business operations and various spheres of human activity; it is 

 especially felt by railway and other transportation companies. The 

 defects of the calendar are borne with equanimity by the community 

 generally, apparently under the belief that no change can be made; that 

 the months, for example, varying in length from 28 to 31 da3^s, are fixed 

 by some natural law and as unalterable as the motion of the heavenly 

 bodies. There are a few persons, however, who begin to see the matter 

 in a different light. A spokesman in favour of some change and im- 

 provement has recently been heard in the Parliament of the United 

 Kingdom. I hold in my hand a proposal for a simplified calendar by 

 Mr. Alexander Philip, of Brechen in Scotland, and we have here with 

 us to-day, a gentleman from the City of York, England, who has given 

 the subject prolonged consideration. For myself I warmly approve of 

 the movement to simplify the calendar, and my earnest desire is to see 

 the Eoyal Society of Canada take a leading part in promoting a needed 

 change — a change wliich woidd benefit the great human family for all 

 future time. 



That such a change can be effected I have no doubt whatever, pro- 

 vided we take the right course, and the right course to follow is to begin 

 by seeking the proper means of gaining the assent of all interested in 

 the proposal. 



The question arises: who are interested? and the answer is, every- 

 Ijody, — all civilized nations are concerned in any proposition to modify 

 the calendar of days and months which has come down to us through 

 the centuries. 



