Mr. Napier Denison, of the Meteorological Service, read an instructive paper on "The Air-Barometer" and explaining generally the work of the weather service. A paper on a kindred subject, "The Great Lakes as a Sensitive Barometer," was subsequently presented to the British Association at the Toronto meeting.

Mr. C. A. Chant, B.A., communicated to the society the results of some experiments conducted by him, which had been originally devised by Dr. Zeeman, of Amsterdam. It was proved that when the spectrum is produced in a magnetic field the spectral lines of various elements are broadened.

With a view to outlining the possible work of amateurs in the field of science, Mr. Geo. E. Lumsden read a paper on "The Necessity for Individual Effort," pointing out how much might be attained by persistent observation even by those who were engaged in the ordinary vocations of life.

Mr. Lumsden also read a paper on "The Nautical Day," maintaining strongly the position taken by the scientific societies of this country in regard to the unification of time-reckoning. It was shown that the nautical day had not yet disappeared and that the necessity for uniformity in astronomical, civil and nautical time was as urgent as ever. Numerous quotations were made to show that the master mariners of all nations are strongly in favour of unification.

Details of observational work were given by the members at all the meetings. Mr. G. G. Pursey had taken special interest in the sun, and a record had been kept by him of the appearance of the solar disc, as complete as observational weather permitted. The solar eclipse of July 29th was a disappointment in Toronto; the sky was quite overcast during practically the whole duration of the phenomenon.

A paper on "The total solar eclipse of May, 1900" was read by Mr. Thos. Lindsey. It was strongly urged upon the members that an expedition should be sent from Toronto to some point on the line of totality which would pass through the Southern States.

Mr. Lindsay read a continuation of the "Historical Sketch of the Greenwich Nautical Almanac," referring particularly to the subject matter of the first issues. He had been able, through the kindness of Prof. Nevil Story-Maskelyne, F.R.S., of Basset Down, Eng., to present a facsimile of the signature of Dr. Nevil Maskelyne, the founder of the almanac.

Mr. Arthur Harvey read an exhaustive paper on "The Periodicity of Magnetic Disturbances," which subject was also presented by him to the British Association. Researches regarding these phenomena are still being carried on by Mr. Harvey, the result so far pointing very significantly to the establishment of the "central nucleus" theory of solar rotation. Two papers were read by special request by Mr. W. B. Musson and Mr. J. R. Collins on "The Variable Star Algol" and "The Moons of

Uranus" respectively. Mr. Musson collected in one concise essay all the known points regarding Algol, so as to be convenient for future reference. Mr. Collins reviewed the work of the mathematical astronomers in establishing the truth of the nebular hypothesis, though it was seemingly at variance with the known facts of the retrograde motion of certain secondary planets.

Mr. Collins also read a paper on "The Defects of Reflecting and Refracting Telescopes," dealing especially with certain points in connection. with aberration recently brought forward by Prof. Schaeberle.

The papers by Mr. A. Elvins during 1897 included one on "Planetary Rotation" and several communications relating to observations of the moon. A number of drawings of lunar features had been added to the already large collection in the library of the society, from the hands of Mr. Elvins. In the annual volume which has been published and distributed to various corresponding institutions, some of these drawings are reproduced.

Several papers were contributed by the ladies of the society. Miss A. A. Gray reviewed the theories regarding the rotation periods of Mercury and Venus; Mrs. A. G. Savigny read an exhaustive and most interesting paper on Mars, bringing into one essay the entire history of the observational work done by astronomers in this field. Mr. George Craig read a paper on "Popularizing Astronomy," and making a strong plea for the establishment of a popular observatory in Toronto.

At the close of the session for the year, the retiring president, Mr. J. A. Paterson, M.A., delivered a lecture on "The Astronomy of 1897." The work in all branches of astronomy was reviewed, and a most hopeful account given of the present state of science in Canada.

In affiliation with this body there are now three other societies, at Meaford, Orillia and Tavistock. Mr. T. S. H. Shearman, who is actively engaged in astronomical work at Brantford and Woodstock, also reports regularly to this society.

VIII.-From The Lundy's Lane Historical Society, through Dr.

KINGSFORD.

The Lundy's Lane Historical Society, greatly desirous of appreciating the honour bestowed upon it by the Royal Society of Canada in being given a place for mention, and by representation at the annual meeting. this year at Ottawa, begs to present a brief statement of its work during the past year.

Two volumes were added to its list of publications: "The Annals of Niagara," pp. 269, Kirby; and Part II. "Documentary History," 1812-14, Major Cruikshank. The latter history, two parts, comprise 500 pages, with an exhaustive index, which cannot fail to be helpful to the readers

of Canadian history. During the present year 1898, the society intends. to publish Part III. of the same series by Major Cruikshank, whose work and labour of love as a student of Canadian history, for many years, merits high commendation. The second edition (revised and amended), of a brief biography of the heroine, Mrs. Laura Secord, of 1813, by Mrs. S. A. Curzon, will also shortly be published. Thus the society is still endeavouring to carry out its desire to promote the study of historical literature, relating to the Niagara Peninsula of early times. At the last meeting of the society, Major Cruikshank, Fort Erie, was re-elected as delegate to attend the next annual meeting of the Royal Society of Canada, at Ottawa City, May, 1898.

IX. From The Niagara Historical Society, through Dr. KINGSFORD. (Organized Dec., 1895.)

Motto, "Ducet Amore Patriæ."

Officers.

Patron-Wm. Kirby, F.R.S.C.

President-Miss Carnochan.

Vice-President-Henry Paffard.

Secretary-Alfred Ball.

Treasurer-Mrs. Servos.

Curator-Russel Wilkinson.

Honorary Vice-Presidents-C. A. F. Ball, Mrs. Roe.

Committee-Rev. J. C. Garrett, W. F. Seymour, B.A., John D. Servos, Mrs. Ascher, Miss Clement.

In presenting the report, we rejoice to be able to say that during the last year considerable progress has been made. Regular meetings have been held, two of them special open meetings at which valuable papers. were read, one by Major Cruikshank on "The Blockade of Fort George," and the other by Hon. J. G. Currie on "Brock and His Times." On the 2nd June, 1897, the Provincial Association met here; with them was a deputation of Indians from the Indian reserve near Brantford, who in the evening conducted a council meeting according to their established ritual, in a dignified and interesting manner.

At our annual meeting on 17th September, addresses were given by our patron, Mr. Kirby, Mr. Coyne, the president of the Provincial Association, Mr. Boyle, the provincial archeologist, and Mr. Brant-Sero, of Hamilton. Mr. McKenzie, Toronto, read part of a fine drama on "The Taking of Fort Niagara in 1759," by Sir Wm. Johnson.

Again, as last year, we decorated the graves of some of those who fell in battle on 27th May, 1813. Since November, 1896, our historical room has been open to the public for two hours every Saturday and over four

hundred visitors have recorded their names, many from distant cities. This has materially benefited our society, affording an opportunity for the sale of our pamphlets, and has led to numerous contributions and increased interest.

Our collection is particularly rich in pictures of the neighbourhood, papers and books printed in the town, and we have now on our walls over eighty framed pictures and documents, and altogether enrolled on our list eight hundred articles. Three pamphlets have been printed by our society and a fourth is in the press, each with illustrations.

We have kept steadily before us the idea of a monument to commemorate the landing of the U. E. Loyalists on our shores, and have printed and sent out five hundred circulars, asking advice as to what form the monument should take, a suggestion having been made that as the collection in our room is increasing, a permanent building with tower attached would be the most suitable. It is intended to petition the Dominion and Provincial Parliaments for assistance.

A partial catalogue has been printed; an historical article appears each week in the local paper with list of articles contributed. Cases have been contributed, the Provincial Government has given a grant to defray printing expenses, and we are indebted to Mr. D. Boyle, of the Archæological Museum, Toronto, for much valuable advice and assistance. We petitioned the Government with regard to preservation of land marks at Niagara and in Quebec.

We feel that we have every reason to feel encouraged, and hope to see a still greater interest in all that pertains to the history of our country, sure that by development of this feeling we shall secure truly loyal subjects, loving Canada and proud of her history, ready to help to make that history a still more glorious one.

The pamphlets issued by our society are:

1.- The Taking of Fort George," by Major Cruikshank, with illustration of Niagara River, 27th May, 1813.

2.-" Centennial Poem," by Mrs. Curzon.

"Fort Niagara, N.Y., 1783 to 1796," by Canon Bull.

"Slave Rescue, Niagara, 1837," by Miss Carnochan. With three

illustrations.

3.-" Blockade of Fort George," by Major Cruikshank. Illustrations, Fort George and Niagara, in 1806.

NIAGARA, Ont., February 15th, 1898. DEAR SIR,-Three years ago, Rev. Canon Bull, the respected president of the Lundy's Lane Historical Society, suggested in his report the placing of a cairn or monument of some kind to commemorate the landing of the United Empire Loyalists on our shores. Since then, at the meeting of the Provincial Historical Association here, the proposition of

the Niagara Historical Society in regard to this met with much approval, and a grant was given as the nucleus of a fund.

The expatriation of this people has scarcely any parallel in history except the Acadian expulsion, or that of the Huguenots from France at the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. In all ages and nations it has been the custom to commemorate any great event by some conspicuous pile pointing to Heaven in memory of a victory gained or a deliverance granted, and surely the landing on our shores of a people coming through dangers great and multiform, to an almost wilderness, leaving homes of plenty, is an event to be commemorated-an event which has had results far reaching and important, for it may truly be said that had not the great majority of people in Canada been U. E. Loyalists, the result of the war of 1812 might have been very different, for the strong determination of Canadians to defend their territory was intensified in the case of those who had suffered so much to maintain the unity of the empire.

It is proposed to send circulars to all descendants of U. E. Loyalists in the Niagara peninsula, asking advice and assistance; to all historical societies in the province; to petition the Dominion and Provincial Governments for aid, and it is hoped that ere long, in the words of Mr. Coyne, the president of the Provincial Historical Association, there may be a monument here, as of Horatius of old, "plain for all folk to see," on the landing place of these patriotic men and women.

Advice is asked as to what form the memorial should take, a cairn, a shaft, a tower, a building; the cost to be aimed at, the place, the inscription, whether the names of families or individuals. The place suggested is at the foot of King Street, near the fishery ground, but a late suggestion made is that in view of the increasing contents of the historical room (so many of these relating to the early settlers), the memorial take the form of a building for the historical collection, with tower attached.

An answer is respectfully and earnestly requested, to be addressed to the secretary of the society.

ALF. BALL.

X.-From The Hamilton Association, through DR. BURGESS.

The Hamilton Association has closed another interesting and profitable year's work. Not only has an interest been manifested in the general meetings and public lectures, but the various sections have been actively engaged in the study of this locality.

The following is a list of papers read at various meetings:1897.

Nov. 11.-"Inaugural Address," President A. Alexander, F.S.S.
Nov. 26.-" Geological Notes," Col. C. C. Grant.

1898.

Feb.

4.-" Geological Notes" (continued), Col. C. C. Grant.