34 REPORT—1885. 
In order to strengthen their representation from this point of view, 
they deemed it well to get the opinions of Boards of Trade and ship- 
owners and shipmasters. On inquiry it appeared that the Montreal 
Board of Trade were at the very time considering the question, which 
had been brought independently before them. On learning the object of 
the Committee they gave it their most hearty support, and addressed a 
strong memorial on the subject to the Dominion Government. 
The Boards of Trade of the other chief ports of the Dominion also 
sent similar memorials. The shipowners and masters of ships, to whom 
application was made, were practically unanimous in their testimony as 
to the pressing need for knowledge on the subject. 
The representations of your Committee were made through the 
Minister of Marine, with whom an interview was obtained, at which a 
memorial was submitted. Copies of the answers of the shipmasters (a 
large number of which had been received) were submitted at the same 
time. Full explanations, in reply to the inquiries of the Minister, were 
given, more especially on practical points connected with the proposed 
observations at fixed stations and the reductions, for which your Com- 
mittee are largely indebted to a corresponding committee appointed by 
the Council, consisting of the Right Hon. Sir Lyon Playfair, Professor J. 
Couch Adams, Sir William Thomson, and Professor Darwin. 
During the session of Parliament the Royal Society of Canada also 
addressed petitions to the Governor-General and the two Houses of 
Parliament, strongly urging the need of tidal observations. 
The reply of the Minister of Marine stated that, owing to the large 
eutlay on the Georgian Bay Survey, and on the expedition to Hudson’s 
Bay during the past summer (1885), the Government did not propose to 
take action in ithe matter of tidal observations at present. This un- 
favourable answer, it will be cbserved, is made to depend on a temporary 
financial condition, and your Committee have reason to believe that if 
the financial prospects improve by next session of Parliament, the Govern- 
ment will take the matter into earnest consideration; they therefore 
suggest that the Committee be reappointed. 
Fifth Report of the Committee, consisting of Mr. JonN Murray 
(Secretary), Professor ScHUSTER, Professor Sir WILLIAM THOMSON, 
Professor Sir H. E. Roscor, Professor A. 8. HERSCHEL, Captain 
W. pve W. Abney, Professor Bonney, Mr. R. H. Scott, and Dr. J. 
H. Guapstone, appointed for the purpose of investigating the 
practicability of collecting and identifying Meteoric Dust, and 
of considering the question of undertaking regular observations 
in various localities. 
Tue Secretary reported that collecting apparatus had been sent to various 
oceanic islands, and that a report would be prepared by next year on the 
specimens received. 
