I 



17 



suliicient to show that much interesting information may be derived from well 

 trodden paths. I am surprised that so few have turned their attention to ornitho- 

 logj', the stud}' of those gay visitors which add sucli an indescribable charm to our 

 sylvan rambles. I hope to see a microscopical branch organized at an early 

 date. To anyone who can afford the luxury of a microscope, unlimited amusement 

 and instruction is in store. No one can once enter upon this study without 

 being compelled to become an enthusiast. It opens up such new worlds and 

 lields of thought that the mind is almost overwhelmed with wonder and reverence 

 for the Omnipotent Being who created such marvels of beauty and adaptation to 

 required uses. The fact that nothing is useless is forced upon our minds with 

 such force as almost to cast everything else into the shade. I am particularly 

 anxious next year to s-^e great life in the Club, so as to take as much advantage 

 as possible from the visit of tbe American Association for the Advancement of 

 Science to Montrea', when I hope not a few of our members will join that noble 

 Association. 



Bcientilic life in Canada may be said to have had its birth in 1857, when the 

 last meeting of that association held in Canada was convened, and now, when it 

 is held here again, I have the most sanguine hopes that it may be the cause of a 

 renaissance in scientific studies in Canada. There are few cities in the Dominion 

 which possess so many advantages, and opportunities for learning, as Ottawa does, 

 for all who are desirous of obtaining a knowledge of scientific matters. First of 

 all, of inestimable value is the magnificent museum of the Geological and Natural 

 History Survey, which removes already every excuse for ignorance upon geo- 

 logical and mineralogical matter.^, and as soon as the collections in the other de- 

 partments of natural history are completed we shall have here a source of refe- 

 rence upon every subject of interest to the naturalist. The addition of such men 

 as Dr. Selwyn, the director, Mr. Whiteaves, and Dr. George Dawson, among others, 

 cannot fail soon to make itself lelt in society here. Their eminence and reputa- 

 tion as naturalists are not confined to this country but are of world-wide accept- 

 ance in scientific circles. The museum is now open to the public, and has been 

 arranged so that its economical collection can at once be reterred to by anyone 

 desirous of identifying or learning the uses and value of any mineral deposit. 

 There is of course also a scientific collection for the use of scientific students. 

 The next institution worthy of mention in this connection is doubtless the 

 Library of Parliament, where the best works on most subjects are always to be 

 had for reference. The Literary and Scientific Society too, with its learned 

 President, the Rev. Dr. Kemp, is an institution well calcu'ated to help on the 

 cause of science. The Museum, although small, is possessed of several valuable 

 and typical collections tor reference ; the Library is good and there is every year 

 a course of science lectures which every member of this Club would do well to 

 attend. In many of the Departmental reports published by the Government will 



