NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MONTREAL. 73 



ones, and to demonstrate the truth that science is the true 

 friend and supporter of religion, and that therefore, this and 

 kindred institutions should enjoy the unbounded confidence of 

 the community. 



In inviting an accession of numbers to our ranks, we think that 

 this Society, as pioneer in the development of natural history in 

 this country, as originator of the present Geological Survey of Ca- 

 nada — for this Natural History Society was certainly first to move 

 here — we believe it has some claims on every Canadian. A cer- 

 tain amount of progress has followed on its efforts, an accession of 

 scientific talent has been made; and when I mention the name of 

 a Dawson, a Logan, a Hunt, and a Billings, I think you will con- 

 clude with me that we number among us those of whom any 

 Society even in Europe might be proud. "We know that in a 

 young community like ours, where nearly all are engaged in those 

 pursuits which leave little time for scientific researches, we need 

 not hope for a very large number able to take an active part in 

 the primary objects of this Society. But this will not always be 

 the state of things, and we should therefore do something for pos- 

 terity. "We can at least lay up materials for instruction, ready for 

 use when they shall be wanted ; and if we only do this, we shall be 

 doing an important work, fof which coming generations will thank 

 us. But we are in fact doing more than this. The efforts of the 

 members as they are becoming progressively greater, are also 

 becoming better appreciated. The Society is becoming so favor- 

 ably known that we may hope to see it yet bearing the same 

 relation to all the British American Provinces as the British Mu- 

 seum bears to the mother country. "We therefore ask all who 

 can, to come and aid us in realizing our aspirations, which are 

 chiefly those of the original founders of the Society — that of extend- 

 ing the knowledge of Natural History in particular, and of the 

 physical sciences in general around us, so that our labors may 

 redound to the credit not only of this growing city, but of this 

 colony ; and above all, that these labors may be additional testi- 

 mony to the truth that " the hand that made us is Divine," even 

 the hand of Him whose power, wisdom and benevolence are clearly 

 revealed to us in all that is around. 



