LIBRARIANS REPORT. IX 



est inconvenience. In this connection the case of sewer men, who 

 are notoriously healthy subjects, may be instanced. 



Although these investigations seem to establish pretty clearly 

 that sewer air, as such, is not necessarily dangerous, and that the 

 probability of sewer air organisms being carried into the outer air 

 so as to become a danger is exceedingly remote, yet it must be 

 admitted that there is still an off-chance, and it is that off-chance 

 which produces a doubt. 



There is still a belief that, for some as yet unknown reason, 

 sewer air escaping direct into dwelling houses is a danger, and that 

 sewer smells are objectionable and a nuisance no one will deny. The 

 public therefore will probably await the result of further 

 investigation. 



W. MclvERRON presented the treasurer's accounts, which were 

 referred to the auditors. 



The librarian's report was presented by H. PIERS, showing that 

 1911 books and pamphlets had been received by the Institute 

 through its exchange-list during the year 1905 ; and 1,457 had been 

 received during ten months (January to October) of the present 

 year, 1906. Particulars were also given of the total number of 

 books and pamphlets received by the Provincial Science Library 

 (with which the books of the Institute are incorporated) during 

 the year 1905. This number was 2,590, of which 1,911 were the 

 society's exchanges as above-mentioned. Increased use of the 

 library was reported, as shown by the number of books borrowed, 

 namely 536 in 1905. A card catalogue of the manuals and general 

 works, arranged alphabetically by authors and subjects, has been 

 completed during 1906, and these books have been arranged on the 

 shelves according io the decimal system of classification. The 

 report was received and adopted. 



The SECRETARY reported that the KINGS COUNTY BRANCH of 

 the Institute had done no work during the session of 1905-6, nor 

 during the previous session. It was resolved that the subject of" 

 branch societies be referred to the incoming council. 



