1898-99. ] FIFTIETH YEAR OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. 641 
PELEBRATION: (OF “HE. FIFTIETH YEAR . OF -THE 
CANADIAN “INSTITUTE. 
The Canadian Institute celebrated its fiftieth year by holding a 
Conversazione in the School of Practical Science, on the evening of Sat- 
urday, 9th December, 1899. It was a brilliant gathering, graced by the 
presence of His Excellency the Governor-General and Major General 
Hutton, and embracing many of the leaders in the social, literary and 
commercial life, not only of Toronto, but of the Dominion. An inter- 
esting circumstance was that the three survivors of the original charter- 
members, Sir Sandford Fleming, Mr. Kivas Tully, and Mr. Thomas 
Ridout, were all present. The two former were already Honorary 
Members, and upon this occasion the name of Mr. Ridout was added to 
the roll. 
The Globe in reporting the proceedings used the following 
language :— 
“His Excellency the Governor-General attended the conversazione 
at the School of Practical Science given on Saturday evening by the coun- 
cil and members of the Canadian Institute in celebration of the fiftieth 
anniversary of the foundation of thesociety. The function was attended 
by over one thousand persons, and it will rank as one of the most inter- 
esting affairs in the social history of the city. The invitation list 
included the names of those most prominent in the world of science, of 
art, of literature, of learning, and the gathering was a vast assemblage 
-of distinguished men and women. The Canadian Institute stands in 
the front rank of the public bodies in the city, and its membership roll 
consists of the leaders in scientific thought. On December 8th, 1850, its 
first annual meeting was attended by a few zealous supporters of the 
cause of science. Its fiftieth annual meeting was graced by the presence 
_of many distinguished men in every walk of life, with the representative 
of the Crown as the chief speaker. 
“The School of Practical Science was changed for the occasion from 
an ordinary seat of learning to atemple of beauty. Flags, banners and 
bunting were abundantly used, and the staircase and principal corridors 
