8 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 
urged that the underlying principles of fiction must be understood 
before a right criticism could be possible, and that the time had 
come when novels should be treated scientifically. | Novels, it was 
claimed, were for more than mere pleasure, excitement and relaxation 
—they were a means of instruction through which to learn more of 
life. The work of fiction true to human nature preached in 
particular that which had been preached in general. The writings 
of George Eliot were considered by Mr. Evans to be the nearest 
approach to the ideal he had formed. A discussion followed. 
The President announced that no meeting of the Association 
would be held on November roth, that date having been set 
apart as Thanksgiving Day. 
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24th, 1892. 
SPECIAL MEETING. 
The President in the chair. 
The Corresponding Secretary announced the receipt of a num- 
ber of exchanges from learned societies. 
The Curator reported donations to the Museum. Two applica- 
tions for membership were received. 
A paper on “The Zone Life of Ferns,” contributed by Prof. 
Wright, Los Angeles, California, was read by the President. A 
discussion followed. 
The Secretary then read the “ Biological Notes” of Mr. Wm. 
Yates, of Hatchley, Ont. A discussion took place afterwards. 
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8th, 1892. 
REGULAR MEETING. 
The President in the chair. 
The addition of a number of specimens to the Museum was 
announced. 
A paper on “Southern California,” contributed by the Rev. 
Wm. Ormiston, D. D., LL. D., Azusa, California, was then read by | 
the Secretary. The paper dealt with the early history of the state, 
its products and resources. A discussion followed. 
A second paper, “‘A Revised Spelling,” was then read by Mr. 
James Ferres. The essayist dealt with the question of spelling 
