754 KEPORT — 1897. 



Lady of tbe Sunsliine and 'the Snows' no nearer to the mother land than 

 sixty years ago ? Are the Australias — New Zealand — no nearer to both ? 

 Assuredly they are. Would British Africa, would the Indian Empire have been 

 possible to Britain on the principles and the methods of Imperial Rome ? Un- 

 questionably not. Then let me say again that I claim for the objects and the 

 work of Section G a magnificent record, an abiding power for the peace of the 

 world, and for the imity and prosperity of the great empire to which we belong. 



The following Papers were read : — ■ 



1. The Soiilanges Canal, a Tyincal Link of the \^-foot Inland Naviga- 

 tion of Canada hetiveen Lake Erie and Montreal. By J. Monro, 

 M.Inst.C.E. 



The paper contained a short history of canal construction in Canada from 

 its beginning in 1779, under General Haldimand, to the present time. Also some 

 remarks on the growth of population and commerce, together with a comparison 

 of the chief characteristics of the rival routes for the western trade ; and the 

 reasons why it is probable that the St. Lawrence will eventually obtain a large 

 share of it. 



This was followed by a description of the Soulanges Canal — its location — 

 together with the various modifications introduced into its construction and b)' 

 which it is believed navigation for large propellers and consorts will be rendered 

 safer and more expeditious than heretofore. 



The paper was accompanied by maps, plans, and photos, illustrative of the 

 subject. 



2. On the Hydi-aulic Laboratory of McGill University. 

 By Professor Henry T. Bovey, M.Inst.C.E., and J. T. Farmer, Ma.E. 



This paper commenced with a general description of the equipment in the Hy- 

 draulic Laboratory, McGill University, Montreal, and then discussed in detail the 

 principal pieces of apparatus. Amongst these, especial reference was made to the 

 following : — • 



The valvp arrangement in the experimental tank by which the orifice plates 

 can be easily taken out and replaced by others, with the loss of not more than a 

 pint of water, whatever the head over the orifice might be. 



A jet-measurer, by which the sectional dimensions of a jet at any point of its 

 path can be rapidly and accurately determined. 



An imjKict machine for measuring the force with which water issuing from 

 orifice nozzles or pipes strikes buckets or vanes of different forms and sizes. 



A pressure chamber which defines more accurately the mean pressure at any point 

 of a mass of water flowing through a pipe. The main feature of this chamber is 

 the substitution for the small holes usually adopted of a continuous opening less 

 than -005 inch in width, around the bore. 



A self adjusting dynamometer giving the drag in a single reading. One half of 

 the brake-band is of leather and one half of copper, the angle of contact for each 

 material being very approximately 180°. The frictional resistance of the leather 

 is greater than that of the copper. Thus, if the band friction should increase, the 

 drag would also increase, a portion of the leather would be unwrapped, an equal 

 portion of the copper would he brought into contact so that the frictional resistance 

 would be less, and the drag would continue to diminish until dynamical equilibrium 

 had again been established. If the band-friction should diminish, a reverse process 

 would be the result. 



A triple-throw single-acting experimental pump, designed for a maximum speed 

 of 150 revolutions per minute against a pressure of 120 lb. per square inch. The 

 pump has interchangeable valves, and is also provided with a specially designed 



