XVIII THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



Pennsylvania, for the construction of the optical parts. Both of 

 these firms have had much experience in the construction of large 

 astronomical instruments and are of high reputation for care and 

 skill. The amount of the two contracts is $90,750.00. 



This telescope, 6 feet in aperture, will be larger than any tele- 

 scope now in use, equalling in size the celebrated telescope constructed 

 by Lord Rosse seventy years ago, but superior to that in having the 

 modern equatorial mounting. 



Much information as to atmospheric conditions in relation to 

 astronomical observations at several places in Canada was procured. 

 It has been found that a site a few miles from the city of Victoria, 

 British Columbia, offers the most suitable conditions, in regard to 

 steadiness of the atmosphere, transparency and Tow range of tem- 

 perature. Land has been purchased, and the building will be proceeded 

 with before long. 



XL — The Establishment of Research Stations. 



While the Government has not yet seen fit to accede to the 

 recommendation, made by the Council in their memorial of the 17th 

 October 1912, that research stations, provided with wireless tele- 

 graphic outfit, be established, at points in northern Canada, a certain 

 measure of advance may be reported. Steps are being taken in the 

 direction of one of the most important of the uses of wireless tele- 

 graphy set forth in the memorial; namely, its application to surveys 

 through the determination of longitude. 



Experiments are now in progress at the Dominion Astronomical 

 Observatory to ascertain the possibility of receiving, with portable 

 receiving apparatus, clock signals sent out by some of the existing 

 wireless stations of the Naval Service. 



If these preliminary experiments indicate the practicability of 

 the plan, it is proposed to send an observer, provided with receiving 

 apparatus, to several points on the upper Ottawa River, to determine 

 the longitudes, and thereby to provide reference points for the survey 

 of that region. 



It is anticipated that success in this attempt, if achieved, with 

 the great saving of expense which it would effect, will lead to an 

 extensive use of this method in the more remote parts of Canada, 

 and ultimately to the adoption, in full measure, of the recommenda- 

 tions of the memorial. 



XII. — Finances of the Society. 



The Honorary Treasurer's statement of Receipts and Expenditure 

 is appended. This is furnished under two heads of Government 



