1020 
cession of the geological formations of 
Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian and even 
Carboniferous Systems. Tables giving the 
natural order of succession of the different 
formations falling under this dual classifi- 
cation accompany the paper. 
The Value of Natwre Study in Practical Edu- 
cation: Dr. JAMES FLercHer, Dominion 
Entomologist to the Central Experimental 
Station at Ottawa. 
In his opening remarks Dr. Fletcher said 
that he was thankful that the educators of 
the youth in every province of Canada have 
shown that they keenly appreciate the value 
of natural history studies as an integral and 
effective part of a practical education. He 
would appeal more especially, now, to the 
educated classes of Canada, amongst whom 
it must be acknowledged there is an appal- 
ling and unnecessary ignorance upon many 
useful branches of knowledge, some infor- 
mation upon which would make them far 
better citizens and more efficient competi- 
tors in whatever branch of work they may 
have adopted as the means of obtaining a 
livelihood. There is no profession, trade 
or occupation, in which definite or exact 
knowledge is not daily required with regard 
to subjects, the consideration of which comes 
within the scope of some branch of natural 
science. The last half-decade has seen a 
bright awakening to the realization of the 
value of nature studies as a means of cul- 
tivating the faculties of the youth of every 
land where progress is made. To teach the 
child the beginnings of things, the elements 
of knowledge through the common things 
about us, will lead it to want to see, to know 
and understand, and hence think carefully 
with a view of drawing right conclusions. 
The flowers, birds and insects furnish as 
many and useful objects for the grandest, 
the simplest and best lessons in educating 
the youth of our land. Whether they are 
beneficial or injurious, and why so, will 
SCIENCE. 
[N. S. Von. XIII. No. 339. 
lead the observing student to find out their 
uses and recognize whether they have or 
have not as yet been recognized. Sym- 
pathy and kindness are the outcome of na- 
ture studies, likewise healthful enjoyment. 
Principles of perfection appear wherever 
nature has not been interfered with. A 
perfect method and system is revealed, and 
well may those entrusted with the educa- 
tion of others turn to these natural models 
to inculcate those principles so necessary 
to develop the mind. 
Amongst the interesting exhibits shown 
during the meetings of the Royal Society 
was a plan of the new museum, known as 
the ‘ Victoria Memorial Museum,’ to be 
erected in Ottawa at once. Through the 
kindness and courtesy of the Honorable 
Mr. Tarte, Minister of Public Works, the 
plans were placed on exhibition in the 
Normal School building where the Royal 
Society was holding its meetings. The 
building has a frontage of 322 feet, and 
is 188 feet deep, with a tower dome in 
the center. It is intended to accommo- 
date the collections at present stored in the 
unsafe building occupied by the Geological 
Survey Department on Sussex Street, Ot- 
tawa, comprising minerals, ores, fossils, 
plants, trees and other natural history 
objects as specimens illustrating the natural 
resources of Canada, also the Fishery ex- 
hibit now on O’Connor Street, and the paint- 
ings in the Art Gallery. A resolution, 
passed by the Royal Society of Canada and 
transmitted to the Government of Canada 
congratulated the latter on its wise action. 
On May 22a resolution was passed ap- 
proving and supporting Capt. F’. Bernier, of 
Quebec City, who is taking charge of the 
expedition to the North Pole. An inter- 
esting discussion followed in which many 
Fellows took part, including G. H. Parkin, - 
C.M.G., Sir Sandford Fleming Dr. R. Bell, 
