SUPPLEMENTARY PAPERS. 29 
HIS EXCELLENCY THE MARQUIS OF LORNE, GOVERNOR-GEN- 
ERAL OF CANADA, TO SIR M. E. HICKS-BEACH, SECRETARY 
OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES. 
[No. 147.] Otrawa, 21st May, 1879. 
Str, I have the honour to forward herewith for such action as you 
may think proper a copy of a Memorial addressed to me from the 
Canadian Institute, Toronto, together with a pamphlet with respect 
to the desirability of establishing a “ Prime Meridian” to be common 
to all nations. 
I have, etc., 
LORNE. 
Srr M. E. Hicks-Bsscu, &c., &c. 
MEM )RANDUM OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE, ACCOMPANYING 
PAPERS TRANSMITTED TO THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT BY 
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL, CANADA, MAY, 
1879. 
The President and Council of the Canapran Iystiture (Toronto), 
having memorialized His Excellency the Governor-General of Canada, 
respecting the accompanying papers, with the special object of deter- 
mining a First or Prime Mreriptan to BE Common To ALL Nations, 
and promoting the adoption of a Universan System oF ‘limr-Reck- 
ONING, adapted to the requirements of modern progress : 
His Excellency the Governor-General, in view of the important 
international interests involved, has been graciously pleased to bring 
the subject under the notice of the Imperial Government, in order 
that the attention of the official and scientitic authorities of Great 
Britain and of foreign countries may be directed to it. 
The geographical circumstances of this country invest the question 
with special interest to the people of Canada, and the peculiar politi- 
eal status of the Dominion may in some respects enable the repre- 
sentatives of Canadian science to mediate, especially between their 
scientific brethren, in the various countries more immediately inter- 
ested in the questions at issue. The Council of the Canadian Insti- 
tute will be glad to receive, and to transmit to all the scientific bodies 
with which they interchange publications, any communications which 
may be made to them; and with the view of promoting the objects 
aimed at, will be happy to collate all comments, suggestions, or ex- 
pressions of opinion with which they may be favoured. 
R. RAMSAY WRIGHT, 
Secretary. 
CANADIAN INSTITUTE, 
Toronto, May, 1879, 
