Proceedings of Natural History Society. 185 



cultivate friendly relations between those who already take 

 an interest in scientific subjects. 



The report of the chairman of the council was next read 

 by Mr. J. S.- Shearer, as follows : — 



REPORT OP CHAIRMAN OP COUNCIL. 



The Council of the Natural History Society desires to 

 submit the following report concerning the work done since 

 the last annual meeting. There have been six meetings of 

 the Society and twelve meetings of the Council held during 

 the year just closed. 



The Council is pleased to report satisfactory progress. 

 Since the last annual meeting there have been elected one 

 honorary, one corresponding, and sixteen ordinary members. 



The Society has recognized the valuable services of -Dr. 

 Asa Gray, the celebrated botanist, by electing him an hon- 

 orary member, and the Hon. Thos. White has been elected 

 a corresponding member on the occasion of his departure 

 from Montreal. The Council, however, whilst acknowledg- 

 ing the support that the Society has received in the past, 

 believes that if its claims were more forcibly urged upon the 

 citizens during the session of 1886-7, there would be a large 

 increase in the membership. Such action, in fact, has be- 

 come absolutely imperative, as it is upon increased mem- 

 ship that the welfare of the Society largely depends in the 

 future. 



The museum has been well patronized, having been 

 visited by over 1,500 persons. 



The proposal to improve the interior arrangements of the 

 building has engaged attention during the year. A new 

 light has been placed in the Hall, and other alterations made 

 at considerable expense. The ventilation of the hall demands 

 attention, and certain improvements in this connection will 

 require to be made during the month of June. 



The necessity of a complete re-arrangement and classifica- 

 tion of the books in the library has long been felt, and with 

 a view to having this accomplished, the Council took action 

 in September last, and Mr. Chas. Eobb was engaged to pre- 

 pare a classified catalogue of all the books, periodicals and 



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