LVI ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



The letter of the President of the American Academy of Political 

 end Social Science was followed immediately by one from Mr. E. E. 

 Young, Secretary to the Canadian Commission in connection with the 

 Xorth American Conservation Conference, which it is also proper to lay 

 before the Society. 



Dominion of Canada, jSTorth American Conservation Conference, 

 Canadian Commission : 



Ottawa, March 31st, 1909. 



Sir, — The Canadian Commission to the North American Conference 

 on the Conservation of the Natural Resources of this continent, held last 

 month in Washington, have tlie honour to respectfully invite your con- 

 sideration of the enclosed " Declaration of Principles." 



This declaration was drawn up by the representatives and unani- 

 mously adopted after careful consideration and thought. It is not in any 

 sense a treaty between the governments or countries taking part in the 

 Conference. It does not in any way bind those countries to particular 

 action. It lays down principles on which authorities having control over 

 natural resources, may act in their future treatment of their 

 resources either by legislation or by grants. While the Federal 

 Government of Canada took part in this conference there is no thought 

 or idea of any infringement oi* interference with the rights of the Pro- 

 vinces within the Dominion. The declaration fully recognizes provincial, 

 state and national authorities. It is hoped, however, that the principles 

 enunciated will commend themselves to all authorities in relation to the 

 future disposal and use of the natural resources of the continent. 

 I have tlie honour to be, sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



E. E. Young, 



Secretary. 

 Peof. J. E. Roy, 



Presidentj Royal Society of Canada. 



The foregoing letter was i eplied to as follows : — 

 EoYAL Society of Canada. 



Ottawa, 7th April, 1909. 

 E. E. Young, Esq., D.L.S., 



Secretary to Commission on 



Conservation of Natural Resources, 

 Ottawa. 



Sir, — I have the lionour to acknowledge your letter of the 31st ult., 

 enclosing copy of a " Declaration of Principles '' unanimously adopted 



