8 
ANNALS OP THE 
of excellent Microscopes in Queen's College, with all needful apparatus for the pros- 
ecution of minute researches and microscopical analysis. It will be observed that 
we propose to occupy a new field of research, to cut a new sod that has hitherto 
been walked over by Canadians in comparative neglect. And, as before cultivation 
can take place, a clearance must be made, so I have endeavored to answer some of 
the objections that might be started to the formation of such a Society, and to point 
out the nature of the ground which it proposes to occupy. "While leaving to other 
Societies the discussion of the more general questions of science, and to special So- 
cieties their peculiar topics, we propose to employ the Botanical Society as an in- 
strument for the collection of facts and the working out of details which are of im- 
mediate interest to the botanist alone, but of the greatest importance in leading to 
correct results in general science. Scientific societies on a broader basis have too 
often degenerated into popular institutions, calculated rather for the amusement of 
the many than for the encouragement and aid of the few who are engaged in the 
prosecution of original discovery. We shall be guarded against such a result, in a 
great measure, by the special object of our Institution, but it will be needful, also, 
while we attempt to spread a taste for Botany, and to diffuse correct information 
as to its objects, its discoveries, and its useful applications, that we should seek rather 
to bring our members and the public into scientific modes of thought and expres- 
sion, than to allow our Society to yield up its scientific character to suit the popu- 
lar taste. There is much reason to believe that the want of an organization of this 
kind, whose duty it is to collect and record facts and discoveries, has been the means 
of losing to science materials of great value. There have been casual residents in 
Canada, at different times, who have made collections of greater or less extent, and 
who have, in some cases, carried out special investigations in Botany, without leav- 
ing any printed record of their labors. Some of these may still be rescued from obli- 
vion ; but there are also other observations and discoveries, made by present resi- 
dents in the country, which we may confidently hope will be made available to the 
Society's purposes. Professor Williamson's long residence in Kingston has enabled 
him to make an extensive series of observations on our local flora, which are of the 
greatest interest, and other Professors of Queen's College have followed his exam- 
ple. Some of our graduates and students have also, of late years, made collections 
of greater or less extent, during their vacation residence in different parts of the 
country. The neighborhood of Kingston, and the adjoining islands, have been in- 
vestigated by Mr. Andrew T. Drummond, B. A., who obtained a prize for his valu- 
able collection, in the Natural History Class, two years ago. Dr. Dupuis has col- 
lected the plants of the rear of Frontenac and Ernestown, while Newboro', Perth, 
the Ottawa country, have each their collectors. Dr. Giles has, I believe, been devo- 
ting special attention to Lichens. Mr. Schultz has had an opportunity, during the 
past season, of botanizing the Red River Settlement, and I have received notices of 
