262 Canadian Record of Science. 



All the works on the shelves are represented by cards 

 which will be arranged in proper cases according to sub- 

 jects. The number of books catalogued is 2428. Many 

 of these were presented by their authors to the Society, 

 but by far the greater number have been received as 

 exchanges for the Canadian Naturalist and for the 

 Canadian Eecord of Science. Other valuable works 

 have been presented by the U. S. Geological Survey, the 

 Canadian Geological Survey, and the Smithsonian Insti- 

 tution. 



Besides the books in the Library, some 350 volumes 

 have had to be placed in the committee room on the oppo- 

 site side of the hall. These cannot be catalogued until 

 some arrangements have been made for providing proper 

 accommodation for them and for books which are continu- 

 ally being received, as well as for the large number of 

 volumes awaiting binding. This want of space will, I 

 trust, be taken into serious consideration by the House 

 Committee. 



As regards the binding, does it not seem a pity that the 

 latest works of scientitic interest should be really out of 

 reach of members while the matter is fresh and of the 

 greatest use ? Above 300 volumes have already been made 

 up, and many more will be ready in a very short time. 

 It is therefore hoped that the Council will see the neces- 

 sity of furthering the interests of the Society by making a 

 liberal grant for bindinsj 350 volumes. 



In going over the contents of the Library I find that 

 the Society is in possession of several very old and valu- 

 able works. Among these are the following : 



1. Historia Plantarum. 3 vols. Joanni Kaio. 1686. 



2. History of Four-footed Beasts and Serpents, collected 



out of the writings of Conradus Gesner and others 

 by Edward Topsel. Many curious engravings. 1608. 



3. Historia Muscorum. J. J. Dillenii. 1811. With 



copper-plate engravings. 



