42 
Bulletin of the Natural History Society . 
SUMMARY OF MEETINGS. 
February 6th. 
T HE President, Dr. Botsford, read his annual address, taking 
for his subject, “ The Human Thumb,” showing how much 
through its instrumentality the scope of human knowledge had 
been extended. Without its aid in manipulating the objects used 
in the manufacture of implements, and instruments for observa- 
tion, human knowledge could not have been so extensive and 
varied as now, and the sciences could hardly have had an existence. 
March 6th. 
Mr. J. C. Allison, C. E., read a paper on “ Topographical Sur- 
veying and Contour,” explaining the method by which Contour 
maps were made, and the practical application of surveying to the 
laying out and improvement of land. 
April 3RD. 
On this evening there was a discussion on the subject, “ How 
was America first peopled? ” Mr. J. A. Estey introduced the sub- 
ject, referred to the characteristics of the American civilization, 
and the possible origin of its aboriginal population. Several 
members took part in the discussion, and much information was 
elicited as to the races which had probably contributed to the 
original population of America. 
May ist. 
Mr. M. Chamberlain read a paper on “ The work before an 
Ornithologist in New Brunswick,” in which he drew attention to 
the need of studying the life-history, habits, and migrations of the 
birds found in this Province. He also described the “ Provinces ” 
in North America through which the birds were distributed, in 
one of which New Brunswick was included. 
June 5TH. 
Mr. W. S. Carter read an instructive essay on “ Heat,” describ- 
ing its relations to electricity, chemical affinity, friction, vital force, 
