ANNALS OF THE 
munications from the botanical a<dvisers of the Home Government indicate that 
Canada must follow the salutary example of other old established British Colonies, 
and conduct for herself investigations into the nature and distribution of her indi- 
genous productions. We already possess in Canada several important scientific 
societies in active operation. While the Canadian Institute is of a comprehen- 
sive character, embracing all branches of science, literature and philosophy, the 
special department of geology is amply cultivated by the Natural History Society 
of Montreal, which has also, however, made valuable contributions to zoology and 
botany. In addition to such institutions as these, we have, of still more special 
character, the Government Geological. Survey, which has been instrumental in car- 
rying out investigations of the greatest importance to the country, whether their 
results be viewed as intellectual achievements or as contributions to material indus- 
try. It is proposed that our Society shall have for its object the advancement of 
Botanical Science in all its departments — Structural, Physiological, Systematic and 
Geographical ; and the application of Botany to the useful and ornamental arts of 
life. The means by which this object may be accomplished are various, and will 
come before us for discussion from time to time. In the meantime,, it is proposed 
that there shall be monthly evening meetings in Kingston during the winter for the 
reading of papers, receiving botanical intelligence, examining specimens, and dis- 
cussing matters of scientific interest in relation to the science ; also that there shall 
be field meetings during the summer in distant localities in Canada, as well as in the 
other British Provinces of North America, and occasionally also in the adjoining 
States, whereby our members may have an opportunity of investigating the botany 
of districts that have been imperfectly examined. By the above, and similar means, 
much important information may be brought together. Such facts and results, new 
to science, as are laid before the Society, from time to time, will afford materials 
for a periodical publication, whereby our stores may be rendered available to 
the public in Canada, and to botanists in other parts of the world. In ad- 
dition to such means, the Society may greatly promote its objects by correspond- 
ence with botanists in other countries, and especially with those who are located 
beside the extensive public herbaria, botanical libraries, and gardens, in various 
parts of the United States and Europe. By correspondence with such persons, 
many doubtful points in nomenclature may be set at rest, while the existence of in- 
formation relating to Canadian Botany may be ascertained that might otherwise re- 
main unknown. Botanists distinguished in certain branches of the science may be 
called upon to furnish reports on their special subjects, for which materials may be 
brought together by the members. Such aid will be of the greatest value to the 
Society, and I have therefore gratification in informing you that communications 
have already been received from some of the most active botanists in the United 
States, England, Scotland and Prussia, promising cordial co-operation. So soon as 
