56 TRANSACTIOXS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. [ VOL. II. 



Section will, no doubt, enable some of the members to lay before it the 

 results of their investigations on lines in which Language, Anthropology, 

 and Histor)- converge. It is to be hoped that no very long period will 

 elapse before it may be possible to successfully maintain a Philological 

 Section of the Institute. 



A. F. CHAMBERLAIN, 



Secretary. 



REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL SECTION. 



Toronto, April 22nd, 1890. 



The Historical Section was formed on the 15th February last, for the 

 study of the history of Canada and cognate subjects, such as Arch?eology, 

 Genealogy and Ethnography, the officers being : — James Cleland Hamil- 

 ton, LL.B., Chairman ; D. A. O'SuUivan, LL.D., Wm. Houston, M.A., 

 Geo. M. Rae, Esq., Committee ; Arthur Harvey, Secretary (pro tem.) 



It has held two monthly meetings, at each of which a paper of much 

 interest was read. Mr. Houston favored the Section with a resmne of 

 a forthcoming work, his subject being, " The Genesis and Development 

 of Legislative Functions in the Northern Parts of America." Mr. J. G. 

 Ridout read an account written by the late Hon. Thomas Ridout, Sur- 

 veyor-General of Canada, of his captivity among the Shawnees in 1788- 

 This narrative will also be soon made public propert)- in a volume written 

 by Mrs. J. D. Edgar. Several papers upon subjects of deep historical 

 interest are promised for next session, and it is possible that fortnightly 

 meetings may be necessary so that full opportunities may be given for 

 their discussion. 



A resolution was passed at the last meeting enabling the officers of 

 the Section to take part in preparing for the approaching celebration of 

 the centenary of this Province. The attention of the Council is called to 

 the subject, as the officers would prefer that the Institute as a whole 

 should take an interest in the commemoration. 



The Section will in due time bring before the Council its views respect- 

 ing the providing of cases for the collection of coins and medals now in 

 the Institute's possession, and of safes for the valuable MSS. with which 

 it may be entrusted. 



J. C HAMILTON, 



Chairman. 



