1898-99 | THE EARLY DAYS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. a 
to refer tothem hereafter. After giving the visitors time to inspect the 
various works of art, as well as the geological and mineralogical speci- 
mens in the museum, the Vice-President (Mr. J. O. Browne) addressed 
the assembly, explaining the objects of the projectors of the Institute. 
It was first suggested to organize a Society for the better improvement 
of surveyors, in order that much of that litigation which has of late and 
former years been so prolific in creating dissensions, may be prevented ; 
but, considering that architects, engineers, artists, and others might also 
be benefitted, it was decided to establish a Society for the advancement 
of the Physical Sciences generally, and to be called the ‘Canadian 
Institute, the members of which would meet together weekly, during 
the winter months, and by imparting information to each other advance 
the arts and sciences in Canada. Several interesting papers have been 
read before the Institute during the present (its first) session, and he 
considered none more worthy of notice than a paper from Mr. Fleming, 
accompanied with diagrams and a plaster model of the entrance to the 
harbour of Toronto. In this paper Mr. Fleming shows conclusively that 
the formation of sand at the entrance is rapidly gaining every year 
—nay, every hour, and that if some measures are not adopted to prevent 
it, the harbour in a few years will be completely closed. 
“The Vice-President read from other papers submitted to the Institute, 
a Treatise on the Formation of Artificial Harbours. Next he pointed out 
a design for a bridge called the ‘Bow Bridge, but in the absence of 
details, we were unable to understand the principle. A School of Design 
is in contemplation, and we hope will be shortly established. Mr. 
Browne then referred the company to three diagrams, showing the 
different strata about the Falls of Niagara, illustrating a communication 
from Mr. Ridout on the Geology of the Falls, and concluded his address 
by allusion to the liberality of the Mechanics’ Institute, in whose 
building they are enabled to hold their meetings. The necessity of an 
increase to the museum was strongly advocated. 
“In conclusion of our necessarily brief report we heartily wish success 
to the Canadian Institute in its legitimate pursuits, in the firm belief 
that no other institution is likely to be established that will do more to 
bring out Canadian talent in the arts and sciences than this. Such an 
Institute has long been wanted, and now that the ground is broken, we 
hope it will not be left to perish for want of support. The museum 
requires donations, and shall it not have them? We venture to answer 
the question in the affirmative—and will only say, at present, success to 
the Canadian Institute, and may the next conversazione be in a larger 
room,” 
