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Toua les autres exempiaires originaux sont filmte en commenqant par la premiere page qui comporte une emprainte d'impreaaion ju d'illuatration at en terminant par la derniire page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un dea symboles suivants apparaitra sur la demiAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le caa: le symboie — ^ signifie "A SUIVRE ", le symboie V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent §tre filmis A dee taux de rMuction diff^rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seui clich«, il est fiim« i partir do I'angie supirieur gauche, de gauche d droite, at d« haut en baa, en prenant le nombre d'images n^essaira. Las diagrammes suivant■^ illuatrent la mithode. irrata to pelure. H 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ■■r«»i«; 1. IP ii Si" IHU' ..i-lim**""" ■ >. i [4 '^A Society for the Advancement of Scientific Knowledr Special Attention being given to our own Neigh- •H-OPPIOERS-S* James Goldie, Esq., President. Pbop. Panton, M. a., F. G. S., 1st Vice-President Vbn. Abchdbacok Dixon, 2nd Vice-President. Robert Qausbt, Esq., Corresponding Secretary. O. 0. Jambs, M. A., Recording Secretary. D. MoObae, Esq., Treasurer. Council — Rev'ds Dr. Torrance «fc D. MoGbbgob, Messbs. Abch. GUiCHBisT, W. Tytleb, M. A., W. Nicoii, B. A., W. MoBTON, Miss Vaii., Mbs. Budd. -Mi G-TJELIPiaiDiH. seiEj^jTifie-soeiETY, .-^CDNSTITUTIDN^^ , ■ I' 0^""^^ *^ k'°'^ "'""' '"' """""^ "'° «'"'='Pl' Soieutiflc Society hood. '° fc*'^*^" 'o om own neighbor- Secretary md Treasrlr who I'rt^f ■,?'•''?. S^'etary, Eecording Society, shall forra C?o;n cU al^otw^^^^^ "'/'"■ ■™"»''»'» of thf e^^tt':/;;: - ro=;SS''="^^^^^ -^<^'t z on at the next annual meeth^;' '""''"""= ^'='"' '""• "Port there- - -e!r.rrthe7oJeT;i^rcir?i: d^zf -Sf-" ^»-'^^ "' . .senco, devolving on the\'ice pSlts ll^heirorfe"" '™°' "' ""^ to othtS':u^''<5„!^-r^^lln^^^^^ Stra'l^roTtL'Z.'n-r lit W^Ff ''" "-^^^^^^^^^ '" " and Becord» of the So" otv •' and thn d ?,/ "/, '"L<3onstitmio„, By-Laws sball he to conduct CZ^^i^Z^l^^:^^^ ^^^^^ ^r>aeJsZTonl:r!!:J:tT:Z£^' '1 ."''»'■»""'■ "''"^ "■« oo"-tion of, which shall ahvays-bo ooen t^ t?, ^ " keep a regular account there- atrxt:itr"^^^^^^^^^^^^ GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. control all matters affecting the welfare of the Society, subject to this Constitution ; shall have full control of the funds of the Society ; and shall report its proceedings to the members at the annual meeting. 9. Annual Meeting —The annual meeting of the Society shall be held en the second Tuesday in March, at which, in addition to other busi- ness, the annual report of the Council shall be read ; and the Council and auditors for the following year elected by ballot, after nomination, by a majority of the members present. 10. Election of Officers— The Council from among themselves shall elect the officers of the Society by ballot. 11. Special Meetings — A special general meeting of the Society may be called by the Council ; and shall be called on requisition of not less than ten members specifying the business they wish brought before the meeting. The Council shall call the meeting within fourteen days from the receipt of the requisition, giving one week's notice. No other busi- ness shall be transacted than that mentioned in the notice. 12. Conduct of Meetings — The presence of ten members shall be re- quired to constitute any general meeting of the Societyj and of six mem- bers to constitute a meeting of the Council. All meetings shall be con- ducted under sucl By-Laws and Kules of Procedure as may from time to time be adopted. 13. Ordinary Meetings — The ordinary meetings of the Society shall be held on the second Tuesday of each month. 14. Members — Any lady or gentleman desiring to join the Society shall send in their application to the Council, and, if approved, to.be voted upon at an ordinary meeting. 15. Annual Fee — The annual membership fee shall be One Dollar for gentlemen, and Fifty Cents for ladies, payable in advance ; due on the second Tuesday in March ; and no member in arrears shall be entitled to any of the privileges of the Society. New members to pay the fee for current year, upon election. 16. Amendments — This constitution may not be changed or amended except at the annual meeting of the Society after one month's notice pre- viously given in writing, and by a two-third vote of the members pre- sent. -i4. GUELPIl SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 8 H l^^port of Secrel^aruf f1fociItvVo?ni'\ T'T^ ^? ^ """^^"^" °^ ^^"^^Pl^'« «iti^en8 that a f bociety tor the study of and enqniry i^jto tJie different branches of bcreuce would bo a great benefit to\he inhabitants of the ctv co„^«!l'nf'f'"'?''""""°"u"' P^P'"-'"* ™« considerfd and adopted A .tcWttoffltrt^^'iir/ea'r'" '"""'""' "" '"^ •""'*-"•• ">«'«■'« Regular monthly meetings have been held since that timA th« different papers being furnished as tollows :— ' March Meeting-Inaugural address, The President (Mr. Jas.«oldie). ' r^^ntnlr-?™'- ^""'""' " «^«'»«^ »' «-'?" -" - *'"' ^rourlTu""'' ""'■ '""''' *''"<"'• " ^•'^ Song Birds '""" Wo'^TiTMa;."'''''' ''"" "^ ^'■°'- ^'""°°'' '■ 0»'- J^"""' '"'^ Kingdo^:^!^''- ^- '^""''^' " ^''^ ^'•°°"^'- ''^"'«»'' t™ ■ October Meeting-Mr A. Gilchrist, •■Perns Growing in the Neighborhood of Gaelph." * November Meeting-Prof. James, " Bread, a chemical study " January Meeting-Mr. Tytler, M. A., " Dandelions " /'""'"Wonj^rs!""*""^'™- ^"'^^•""""' »'"■>. "Astronomical It will be noticed that there were no naDPrs v^^aA Jt^ a„ a o Ir'aS theTt? ""h'' ""/r "* "^'"8 '-MTmomt 'amonf rneaX :n;::oVntit:'^;ovU:^:Lrs'^^^^ -^"'^-^'^ "^ poUticafmeetSS^ GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. It is a subject for con<,'ratnlatioii tliat all papers wore supplied with- out doubling up on any contributors, and the Society has thus demon- strated its ability to conduct a most successful Association. The total number of members for 188()-7 was lliJ, and of these 88 had paid their annual fee, 20 neglecting so to do. The receipts from membership fees amounted to lf;(i().;jO, and the expenses for all purposes amounted to !|2(>.85, leaving a cash balance of $88.05 at preKout to the credit of the Society. This is a most satisfactory showing for a com- mencement, and there is no doubt that tiie incoming season will see an advance in all the figures. The necessity of having separate rooms for meetings and classes is severely felt and arrangomonts for these are now in progress, there being a connuittoc appointed by the Society's council to make enquiries and arrangements for suitable apartments. It is also hoped that there will be a grant made the Society by the Ontario (lov- ernment, the same as given to similar societies in various parts of the Province. During the spring and early summer Prof. Panton gave a course of lectures on Botany in connection with tJie Society. Many members availed themselves of this opportunity to fit them for a proper study of the fiom in the vicinity of (luelpli. From the interest manifested by a regular attendance at the lectures we would inter they were well appre- ciated. In the fall and for a part of the winter tiie sanie gentleman gave a course of instruction on (leology. The only qualification required for attendance at these classes was that of benig a member of the Guelph Scientific Society. We are glad to learu that such an opportunity was taken advantage of, and that so many were in fegular attendance when these classes met. There is no doubt this course of instruction has done taiuch to increase the membership of tlie Society, and Prof. Panton deserves the warm thanks of the Society and of the community for offer- ing his services freely for this work. The Society look forward to having during the coming year evening classes for the benefit of those who find it impossible to attend in the afternoon. It cannot of course be expected that these will be free of all charges to attendants, but the Society would earnestly ask the support of a large membership, so that the individual cost may be reduced as much as possible. During the year several excursions have been made under the auspices of the Society for the purpose of studying Science practically : May 8th.— -Some members made a botanical trip te the woods in the vicinity of the residence of Thomas Goldie, Esq. A good collection of plants \\as made, and many interesting forms were obtained, em- bracing nine orders and twenty t/eneni. June 5th. — To Limehouse, where an excellent exposure of the rocks belonging to the Niagara and Clinton formation occur. This out- crop is of a vei-y instructive character, and it is hoped that when another trip is made to that place there will be a large attendance to examine this excellent exposure of Silurian rocks. OUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. July 2nd.--Dur,„g tho Runimer a very interostinf,' visit waa made to Elora by forty mornboi-K. [Infortunately the day becare „ favorl ble through ra.n connnoncing^)oloro Elora was reached uZZv tion with the Elo/a lli-h Scho„l, many of tlic members started out and made a very i„Htrnctive cxamiuatiin of the excellent oxposnr^^ Thus wo have witlun easy roach of Gnelph admirable exDosu?!. of three forn,at.onH-(h.elph. Niagara and Vllinton-oMirSMuHa"! tai trip to hpoertbank, the house of one of our members who lm« donen.uch to keep up the interest in the Society An excellen held day was enjoyed, tiicre being not less than thn-ty-f bm "^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ collected, representing seventeen orders. * ^'"iiytoui ;,n,nn August 7th,-Somo twenty-live members visited an iiiterestin-r „wamp in 1 uslnich townslup, about seven miles from the city. There wis toimd a vast bed of the connnon p.tcher plant f Sor^L. ,Z'J^u and assoc.ated w-th it the interesting Sundew (/Vo.svr./>Cw,^' se;tfr^'tttth':','"f ""'"';" ""'^^ "^'^^'^--'i' -nuhos -i: excursion " "'^"^"^ ' "^''^'^ ^'''^'' '" ^'^''^ »>«fca"'cal (; OtrKMMr SCIKNTIFU! SOCIETY. Abstracts of Papers j^ea6 AT ln;({[rLAH MKKTINn,?c^^tird T'^ ^f "i" ^"^^ «^^««^- variety and charm. It is not imitat to H p ^^^^^^^ l^"^' and full of keeps to its own notes, and never c , be mi 'l. "f '"^' ^^''^' ^"^ ^'^vays often perches on the very tc.pmost r nH A °' ^\^^ ^^^^^^ It towards the close of dav, poi^ out tl^n" .j"^ T'"? *"" *^-««' ^nd then, charms every one who h^ars it '^'"'^ ^"'^ ^^^^t^^* «ong,. that It is a «tri5^ns^:tui fe^rt^f^n r^ ^"'*^^'^ -^e bini. on the small fruits and berries of \heHeWs„n^ '!?'"" ^'" ^'«° f««d liedge rows, open woods, and holds wh.r. i ^^'^^"'- ^^ frequenta abound. They commonly bil in llwtl. T" f.^''''' ^^^^ bushes times on the ground, and are very bokl ii tf ' j'.'""«l\b'^P^' ^"^ some- ones, and will allow no intruders no if .i "if '"? "^^'^ "««* or young The Cat Bird r ..../., is a near iXt o • of ll 'm'^'V- ^^^"^^^'b' known as Mvnu, Visitant to Canada, and it foi^7tolL^^^^^ - ^ «"^^ r Wide distribution, ranging ^^on^l^f t^^;;^ ^ 0;^^^^^^ true 8 GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. United States and Canada, Bermuda, the Bahama Islands and Cuba, it arrives m this part of Canada early in the summer, and soon makes Its presence amongst us known. From early dawn till late at eve its sweet and varied song is poured out f-om the top of some neighboring tree. Its capacity for imitation and mimicry is second only to that ot the Mocking Bird, and its song, wliether natural or imitative, is always varied and attractive. They build tJioir nest on some low bush or tree, and, if in a irardcn or vicinity of a house, soon make themselves pei^ectly at liome, and if not molested become quite tame, and the male bird will apparently delight to sing in the immediate presence of the occupants. The Cat Bird is a devoted parent, and it is most interesting to watch the old birds as they attend to the wants of their young brood, feeding them with the greatest assiduity, and accompanying them with parental care when they leave the nest. They will then attack intruders with the greatest boldness, attempting to drive away cats, dogs, or any- thing from which they apprehend danger. .Their parental distress is painful to Witness. They are most affectionate and devoted to each other, and both help m the construction of the nest. While incubation is taking place the female ra ely loaves the nest, and is supplied with food by the male, and is choored all through tL. day by his varied and beautiful song. It feeds principally on the larv* of the larger insects, and also on raspberries and elderberries in their season. The Cat Bird makes an admirable pet for the aviary, becoming so tame as to readily leod from the hand. It sings freely in confinement, and well repays all the care bestowed upon it. I consider it among our first class songsters. The Robin (Tnrdns Mi./rfuoriiis) is too common a bird to require any description here. It is a bird of very wide geographical distribution. * rom Labrador to Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific the Eobin IS everywhere abundant. In this latitude he is one of the first harbingers of spring, and on that account is welcomed a little more warmly than he would be otherwise. V^arly in March, if the weather is moderate, the Robin makes his appearance, and the first mild morning perched on the house top, he welcomes the early morn with a snatch of his loud and well known song. As a songster the Robin must be classed as a second or third rate bird. His song is loud, without much taste o*- sweetness. He is a very ravenous bird, and no doubt is of great use in the garden by destroying large quantities of worms and larvse ; but when fruit ripens he takes toll most liberally, and becomes a perfect nuisance Ihey become very tame when caged, but are large feederc, and, if not kept clean, are very unsatisfactory. The Wood Thrush (Tunim Miixt„linm) is pretty generally distributed all over Ontario, although not very plentiful. It inhabits the deep recesses of the primeval forest, damp, woody dells, and moist shady woods. Those acquainted with his habits know well in what part of the wood to look for hira, and the bird-catcher often takes them by turning up the fresh earth m some moist spot and setting his net baited with meal-worms. Early in tiie month of June, after a shower of rain or if ^e aay is dull and overcast, tJie Wood Thrush is heard in perfection The song of this bird is one of great s\#etness, and no lover of music GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 9 or but must be charmed by it. Its pass and power, and consists of sevem? ^^^I fvf i . ""'7 ^""^^^ °°°^- the silvery tinking ofTsmall Ln S ^ •' **"! ^^^* °°*«^ resembling suspended. Each Dart o7 t L '^ ^ '"'""'"^ *° ^«^^« ^^^ conclusiaS pre^ding When heardfn tt m^fp? '''^' '^'^f *"^ "«^^«r t^^^» the of bird songsf -speak^of " s as S^t^. felS" f'^P^^^- resembles the double-tonffueina of ihfZiL ui \ ^ Prelude to this song and solemn warble XTrecelMfrnrnV ^vf^^ ^'^ ^ *^"^^'»g «1^«" of some sad recluse' wholrste kiT^^^^^^ ^1 r^Tl'^ \' ?'''■' consists usually of four narts r L^a ^k- ! ^ ! .®- ^^^ ^^o^^ air and blend together in impresbive Z%n^u^ T''*^ ^° deliberate time, mellow and sweet a evZ repetit on'°tjv«f ^T"""^' ^^'""^^"^ "^^^^ lenge each other from SuZaits oV the wL?''^^'^''? ^'^ *° ^^^l" their mates with symDatChV r^^^^ waging a Jeabut^tSHert^^^^^ t" ; and some combat and violence lAU ihTn^w T^.,^'Tf ® ^^^ ^^ *PPeal to gloomy weather XnotLhir?« ^^^ the Thrasher, in dTrk and Sotes of the Woid Thrush are hear/'.Lf '^^f T^ «^^^"*' *^« «l«^r dawn to dusk-so that the sadder thf d«v fh! **^^^"PPf ^ ^oods from is his song." His clear and intpr^^^^^^^ the sweeter and more constant the only ?oice of melodv feaS ^v ?1 ^^'^n^ '' ^'^^"^''^ °^ten nearly come and feed from the h„d. and it ia a eweef and'inrS ^t " *" theJ,fa"^^^rr„Vvtred?ot:!'^^ ""' '"'"''°* — oO^-aUof S^4. 'Tls'Z'ie"' r'anStr^^'?'-.'^ '"» '''"-'""' («•"*■ presence knownT his weU S„T ^ "'f f' \"'' ^°™ ""^^^^ his plumage. He"s a veT? sSeTMT* ,5°'* '^" ^ »•" "« '""^ «d boxes ^hich are oflerpSdfo;1im'Th^^ ''k^' l" '''^^ "' '" tame in confinement and i« n„;fo . * Blue-bird becomes very strictly insectivZus excent inT,;* ," ""'r't *° "■« ""^'y- He is on wild berries ^ ' '""*• *'''° •"« *'" sometimes feed and ilqufeTotmiTnt^gSnu.T''"' 11 "? ^"^'^.^P^^ -"'o^- orchards, and is Tme Mmes de^Lct^i ,1'TT'i^ '?/"*• '" 8"^™^ "^a observers very frequen rWame ?h^ 1™ .."*' "l'™l'. ""=^- <^'"»»' European spIrrortrtwlTrdtV n^ry mu^h'Site" S 1? "|' p"^l'eX:x;trn''reds'o'; ^'f ^fr^f^i^^si^^^tt are foad of buds and Uossoms ^f 1 f '' ''T''"' '^'^ '""""''' '"'^ Among bird catchers it is commonlv .tlf ^"'?,' "r^'^ *"* "PPk trees, sought after by them as it isTS-A ^^j*''" ^'""''' '""' '^ «"■»!> avifry. It is L ^Ttlfo^tZt' w'rriir."^!''^'^ and for the s-in?o7grron^— "Sfritrr^^^^^^^^^ in the breeding seasL, and'^^^S ^^ r^ any'tFth^irZKrr: r 10 GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SbC't^'^Y. near their domain. The song of the Purple Finch resembles somewhat that of the Canary, and, tliongli not so varied, is, softer, sweeter, and more touching and pleasing. During the month of May it is to be h^ard m great perfection, and it will, in the wild state, continue in song till the end of summer. lu the long evenings of summer it will frequently be heard long after uig;htfall. It is interesting to watch one of these per- formers in the middle of his song. He appears perfectly absorbed in his work. His form dilates, his crest is erected, his throat expands, and he seems to be quite unconscious of all around him ; but let an intruder of his own species approach, and the song instantly ceases, and in a violent fit of indignation he chases him away. This Finch is really a handsome bird, a fine songster, and in every way worthy of a place in any collection. There are several, other species of Carpudanis, all fine songsters, but they are to be found in the Southwestern States and in California. - T}ie Chri/wniitHs TristiH, or American Goldfinch, is one of the sweetest and most beautiful of our summer visitors. The Goldfinch, or yellow bird, as he is very commonly called, may be seen in Iiis splendid plumage of yellow and black along with his more sober, colored mate, feeding on the ripening seed of the dandelion. He is then very tame, and will allow one to approach near enough to watch all his motions and graceful attitudes. The Goldfinch is found throughout a great portion of North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. In wifiter the plumage is a yellowish brown, and it is then difficult to distinguish th^ male from the female. They are tj a large extent grsgarious and nomadic in their habits, but separate into pairs for a short time during the breeding season. For three montlis of the year they associate in small flocks, and wander about in an irregular arid uncertain nianner ill Search of their food. In stirtnner they feed largely on seels of the thistle, Taridtis grasses arid weeds. In gardens they are rather destructive to lettiice, cabbage and other garden seeds, but on the wliole they do a vast iiinount of good in the destruction of seeds of troublesome weeds and small liisects. For some reason or other it is usually well on in summer before they mate and raise their young. The true song of the Goldfinch is very ^weet, brilliant and pleasing, most so, indeed, when given as a solo, with no other of its kind vs^ithin hearing. Its notes are higher and its song inore prolonged than those of the Purple Finch. Sometimes when large flocks are found in early summer, the males will often join in a very curious and remarkable concert. These concerts are now varied and pleasing, now ringin.<, like the loud voice of the canary, and then sinking into a low, soft warble. In the warm summer weather they are \ery fond of bathing, and they may often bo seen along the shallow margins of brooks and streams. On the whole there is no more joyous, light-liearted little songster in the whole circle of American song birds tlian the Gold- finch, It makes a nice pet for the cage, and gets exceedingly tame. In the Aviiary it does well, and proves one of the most pleasing and inter- esting of the occupants. The nost of this species is a most interesting study : no move beautiful specimen of bird arch.itncture can be found. It is symmetrical in shape, delicately woven, and ingeniously and firmly fastened around the forked twig with which it is interlaced. It is an exquisite example of beauty and finish. GUEIiPH SCIE,$^TIFIC SOCIETY. ^^ 11 nf nff^^^-f ^''''**^ ^'^^^'^ songster, wllicli is common all o^^^T^J^^^t^s 5L?sbrr7aiZ(ihr""'' " f" '"'*^'° Finch (Qvo,..,..;rc,'ri xms mra, altlioiigli its powers of song are not very great is vet vixmrnna and pleasing. Its manners are active and sprightlv ^ ikI its ™ K? when in its summer plnmago makes it ,relyC\lirl^ ittffon ^^7'l"-l^«°P^"--^«. gardens and fields. iV^X Itions Itself on the top of some tree or bush, when it chants its peculiar and charmmg song for quite a space- of time. Its son^ consfsts of I f^w most of the summer months, m the noonday heat as well as in thf are^quite reconciled and peaceable with their companions in 'the cage o' One of the most beautiful and interesting of the sona hir-Aa «f Amenca is the Rose-breasted Grosbeak (^^ J'.. L. t.S)^^ Grosbeak is widely distributed over the more northerly and cetral parts of Ontario, and frequents shady woods and copses. It t^kes the v cmitv of small brooks and streams, and feeds on va/ious see^lsmlll fruits n their season, and is not averse to devourinwy 'oua, .Irom uZJlfXf Ir: rt.r'^l, Sf*'™!"™'^ ■?"«»■ , I" its m,K.ratio„B ii Atlantic: a"nd as'fer to'tl;; n°ort hL^u" ,? tlM-aratl^irij"?'™]" '"^ the greater part of Ontano,, Quebec, N^'BrTwict ar No™"soor 12 GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. frequenting low lying meadows and hay-field . In its winter migration it extends to Central and South America and the West Indies. In its migrations northward the males arrive some days before the females, and this is the time the bird-catcher plies his trade amongKt them. Like most other birds, if caught after they have paired, they ^nearly always die in confinement. Of all oul: unimitative and natural song- sters the Bobolink is by far the most popular and attractive. Always original and peculiarly natural, the song is exquisitely musical. In the variety of its notes, in the rapidity in which they are uttered, and in the touching pathos, beauty a»d melody of their tone and expression its notes are not equalled by those of any other North-American bird. We know of none among our native feathered songsters whose song resem- bles or can be compared with it. An American writer tl^^s describes its song : " Mounting and hovering on the wing at a small height above the field he chants out such a jingling medley of short variable notes uttered with such a seeming confusion and rapidity and continued tor ■a considerable time, that it appears as if half-a-dozen birds of different kinds were all singing together. Some idea may be formed of this song by striking the high keys of a piano at random singly and quickly making as many sudden contrasts of high and low notes as possible. Many of the tones are in themselves charming, but they succeed each other so rapidly that the ear can hardly separate them. Nevertheless the general effect is good, and when all are singing, ten or twelve at tHe same time, the concert is singularly pleasing." When the males first arrive in spring their gay colored livery of black and yellowish-white attracts general notice. When two or three male bobolinks. decked out in their gayest spring apparel are paying attention to the drab-colored female, contrasting so strikingly in her sober brown dress, their performances are quite entertaining. Each male endeavors to outsing the other. The female appears coy and retiring, keeping close to the ^ground, but always attended by the several aspirants for her affection. After a contest quite exciting the rivalries are adjusted, the rejected ones are driven off by their more fortunate competxtor, and the happy pair begin to prepare a new home. It is in their love quarrels that their song appears to the greatest advantage. They pour out incessantly their strains of quaint but charming music, now on the ground, now on the wing, now on the top of a fence, a low bush, or the swaying stalk of some plant that bends with their weight. The great length of their song, the immense number of short and variable notes of which it is composed, the volubility and confused rapidity with which they are poured forth, the eccentric breaks in the midst of which we detect the word "Bobolink" so distinctly enunciated, unite to form a general result to which we can find no par- allel in any of the musical performances of our other song-birds. It is at once a unique and charming production when the mated pair take possession of their selected meadow and prepare to construct their nest and rear their family. Then we may find the male bird hovering m the _-• iu^ ^t- „,v.«*.« u\c, artrpV>vo-pr>inrofl nn.rtner is brooding over her charge. All this while he is warbling forth his incessant and happy love-song, or else he is singing on some slender stalk or weed that bends under him, overflowing with song and melody. After the brood is hatched GUELPH 8CIENTIFI0 SOCIE"^Y. 18 his song becomes less frequent and after a time ceases altogether, and now there appears a remarkable change in the appearance of this gay songster. His showy plumage of black and white, so conspicuous and striking, changes with almost instantaneous rapidity into brown and drab until he is no longer distinguishable either by plumage or note from his mate or young. The Bobolink, if caught early or after the breeding season is over, makes a line bird for the cage or aviary. It is interesting when in. confinement to watch the change of color which takes place in their plumage in the fall and again in the spring. They are enormous feeders and if not restricted in their rations will become so fat as to cause their death. They sing well in confinement, but their song seems to lack that sweetness and variety which it has when heatd m their favorite meadows. The foregoing is only an imperfect list and condensed description of the most prominent of our song birds. Did time permit similar notices naight be given of the song Spai-row, one of the earliest of our spring visitors ; of several other varieties of Tlirushes, the White- Throated Sparrow, a number of our summer warblers, the Baltimore Oriole, distinguished both for fine plumage and song, and a number of others. Enough has been said to show how rich we are in birds of song, and to draw attention to the free concerts provided by nature for the entertainment of man. 14 GUiELPH 8CIEN3ail ^eighborhood were discussed, and diagrams representing them explained. Univalve shells are exceedingly ^mmon, there being no less than 14 species of the genus Murchisonia a»d"24 species of other genera in the division of mollusks. Among bivalves 6 species are represented, one of these, Megalomus Canadensis, is very characteristic of the Guelph rocks, and is among the first fossils you find. Some of these clamlike forms are very large, reaching even six inches in diameter. The cuttlefish group is represented by 14 species, and the brachio- pods (lamp shells) 11 dijfferent kinds. Stromatopora, a fossil whose position in the scale of life is somewhat difficult to locate, is represented by 2 species, both of which the writer has found in the quarries near the city. Among corals the representatives are very common, and some very interesting specimens have been obtained by several members of the r P M rocki groH] i. \ f^^^ClENTIPIC SOCIETY. Society-i„ all some 14 species Tu7~ 7. ' - rnnto«f^i._ ^. , » ^°^ suinmarv of f, lo ,i.ff ^ ^ rocks paper ; Protozoa Stromatopora, 2 species. CCELENTERATA. £*yo'^!te« fl species , Anaplexus ' 2 Heliolites... " 1 f'ystfitoyius ...*,' 1 J'ycnostylns .... 2 ECHINODERMATA. Crinoid Stems, the only reh-e Bei,t«t.ves of this sub-ftij^clom Vermes. I'entamerous.. Chftrionella .. Trimerella ..... Mouomerella .. Spirifera "." Atrypa ' Rhynobolds '.., MoLLyscA. Murohisonia ^ species. 1 " « 2 1 1 1 M0LLU8CA.~( Conthtued.) Cyclonema o „^ Jieurotomar^-;: ? '^"?.'''- ^traparollus .... 2 .« Holopea Codoncheilus .[. Trochonema , , • Scenella ... Trybiindum'*'" Euomphalus ...'. Bucania Bcculiomphafns.". Iremanotus ...// - Me^alomus .... Auodoutopsis '..'.' lliona ./ 3 Cyrtoceras ....,[ 3 Trochoceras ;. .*. 1 Trocholites .....' j Orthoceras .,..[. 5 Phragmoceras 3 A8coce)-a8 ....'.' 1 7 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 3 14 HubuHtes ; 2 Arthropoda. Calymene, Ceraurus, Eurypteru« I» this list we have 88 «. '^'"'^ '^ '^"^ 16 GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. OUR LOCAL WOODS IN MAY. . BY MISS VAIL. -^^h^ -- :.r :o„r ^T.r.rr»/ el" in th. shady depths and see how U.e flowers grow m """r n'tt.ve Si4 ^ates^asT 'a«rL';%rt a general clearance. AUso^^nt ii^,;Sv;hrar.res,rr:tu= ^:^,„^,r 'luCh - 'pU,tZ"S.;;y'::Ued Adder', tf .gne, U 90 plentiful, the flowers are rare. , , ^r „ Tn the friendly shelter of a brush-heap we find a large cluster ot a row:."!and possessing a fragrance -^-^J-^S^^t'lStw^) Z ?, ?iic »^^ Vood for baskets. The flowers come up m early spring, each w ihaleaf folded tightly around it. Cold winds aiia frosts oiuy lu.u rhtclak the more snug^^ about the tiny flower^ within, but the firs warn suLydTmakes the little bud unfasten its wrap and open its IIZ of snowy petals to the sun and air. Near by are 8ome plants of a GUELPfl SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. if ^ ryixB il pretty white and fragrant flower, the common Pepper-root or Tooth- wort {Dentarid dij>hi/lla). The root-stalk is white, jointed, looking like a ,bit of .white coral, and is largely used by the Indians medicinally. We see plenty of violets — five distinct species — yellow, white, blue, a dark hlne (Viola pednta), also the lovely Canaidiein Yiolet {Viola Canndenm), its large white petals pencilled with purple. In the cleft of the roots of an elm we find a bunch of Liver-leaf [Hepntica aditilnba), the flower so well known is over, the dark ever- green leaves just springing up. As we advance into the deeper woods the flowers are more plentiful. Trilliums abound {Trillium erectum). These plants are so named because all their parts are in threes, even to the leaves. We find plenty of white ones {Trillium Grandiflofum), some tinged with rose, some with a green stripe down each petal, and some a rich dark Pompeiian red. On a mossy bank growing together with ferns and lichens we find some Wood Son*el {Oocalis Stricta"^, its tiny yellow flowers just opening. It resembles the Oxalis we use so much in window gardening and wrongly call Shamrock. The fragrant blue phlox is veiy plentiful just here, {Phlox Diva ncata) a pretty showy flower for bouquets, also the Bishop's Cap {Mitella Diphylla). Though so bmall, these flowers are lovely, the tiny corolla so perfect in shape — like a bell, — the fringed edge turned back giving it a lace-like appearance — inside we can just see the little cluster of ten stamens. Though late fof it, we find a few plants of the delicate pink and white hetmty J Claytcmia Virginica). On a damp bit of ground we come across a strange rush-like plant ; the stem has no apparent leaves, is jointed, and looks as if it had been drawn out like a telescope. It is the Horse-Tail {Equisetum Arvmse) and a relic of the Carboniferous age. A large tropical-looking plant now claims our attention, called Mandrake or May Apple {Podo- phyllum, Peltatum). Turning homeward we come upon a curious flower, the Indian Turnip (AnstBma Triphyllnm), also called .Tack-in-the-Pulpit; Jack is a handsome fellow in his purple-striped .vest ; his pretty cousin, whom we call Calla-Lily, wears a -white cloak. They both belong to the Arum family. What seems to be the real flower is but a sheath that covers the tall spike thickly covered with tiny florets. In the Calla this sheath is white and open, like a large petal; in the Turnip it is dark purple, striped with pink, and folds over for the further protec- tion of the flower within. In the autumn this spike bears a cluster of bright scarlet berries, the lower part of the stem is bulbous, has medi- cinal properties, and a strong, acrid, pungent juice. In looking over our collection of flowers we find we have — Arisroma, Phlox, Podophyllum, Oxalis, Erythonium, Mitella, Dentaria, Trillium, Fragaria, Dicentra (two species), Hepatica, Sanguinaria, Viola (five species), Claytonia, and Equisetum — fifteen genera and twenty species. mmiiitimmmiiKmm 18 GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. CANADIAN FERNS IN THE VICINITY OF GUELPH. BY A. GILCHRIST. In Canada the study of ferns is not so general, as it should be. Such an interesting class of plants deserves more attention than it has yet received. Fern-hunting is a delightful recreation for the summer holidays. It is in summer that ferns can be collected intelligently by the young botanist. The classihcation of ferns is entirely different from flowering plants. They are classified by the golden spots {sporan(jw) upon the back of the frond. Ferns may be very unlike and yet belong to the same genus. - It is surprising the number of species in ferns that may be found in the neighborhood of Guelph. So far the writer has collected thirty species, and eight well marked varieties. It may be possible to produce hybrids by mixmg the spores of two nearly related species and sowing tliem together, but it can never be done with the same certainty that crossing is accomplished with flower- ing plants. Slender Rock Brake {Pillaa Gracilis) is a graceful little fern as its name indicates — very rare, and found in but few places in Canada. It is found at Paradise, on the south side of the River Speed, growing firmly wedged in the crevices of the limestone rocks, where it is difficult to get it out in good condition. The fruit is in lines under the very edges of the frond. The fertile fronds are longer than the sterile fronds. Purple Brake {Pellocq Atropurpurem) is another rock-fern, growing on the north side of the River Speed.' The steins are dark purple, hence the name. It has a tufted root-stalk, while Gracilis has fine yellow thread-like creeping roots. It is a good fern for the case or pot culture. It is very rare. Lady Fern [Asplenium Filix-Fmnina) two varieties. Tliis name is well given, for it is the most elegant of our native ferns. Green Spleen-Wort (AspleniHin Viride) is found among the rocks at Elora. It is a northern fern, different from Trichumanes by its yellow mid-rib. Narrow-fronded Spleen- Wort [Asplenium Aniiustifuliiitn) is found near the Ontario Agricultural College. Goldie's Shield Fern {Aspedinm Goldiana). This fern is of more than usual interest to us, it having been named by Hooker in honor of the father of our worthy President, Mr. Goldie. The Walking Fern {Caiiiptosorus lihizophyllus) is the most peculiar fern we have in Canada. Although a walking fern it is not a tramp, because it is never found where it is not wanted. It is very rare. Botrychium Ternatum is a very rare fern, only one plant of it having been found near Guelph. The frond is very fleshy and deeply •!» it ; it •!» T GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 19 °!*i', I*/emains green all winter till the new frond appears, then the old frond dies away. THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OP FERNS POUND NEAB GUELPH : Adiantum Pedatum Maiden-hair. Aspleyiium Trichomanes Common Spleenwort. Viride Green Spleenwort. «• 7'helypteroides Silvery Spleenwort. *• Filu' — Fcemina Lady Fern. „ " Awjustt folium Narrow-fronded Spleenwort. Botrychtum Viiujinicum Grape Fera. " Ternutum, , • Pellaa Atropurpurea Purple Rock Brake. " Oramll'i Slender Eock Brake. Cystopteria Bulhifera Common Bladder Fern . Fmyilis Slender Bladder Fern. Camptosonis RhizophyUm. The Walking Fern. Aspidium Spinulosum Wood Fern. •• Dilatatum, Intermedium and Vuhjare.. Three Varieties. Thelypteris Swamp Shield Fern. Cristata ...: Crested Shield Fern. • • MnryinaliH Marginal Fruited Shield Fern. Goldiamm Goldie's Shield Fern. Onoclea Sensihilis Sensitive Fern. " Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern. * Poly podium Vuhjare Polypody. '• Dryopteris "Phree-branched Polypody. " Hexognnoptera Winged Polypody. Pteris Aquilina Common Bracken. Aspidium Acrostichoides Christmas Fern. Osmunda Reyalis Eoyal Flowering Fern. Claytoniana Interrupted Flowering Fern. Cinnnmonea Cinnamon Flowering Fern. Assidium. Filic-mns Male Fern . These were collected in the neighborhood during the year 1886 • further research will probably add to the number. Some of the species vary considerably, showing well marked varieties. m GUEXiPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. THE FKONTIER BETWEEN TWO KINGDOMS— A MICROSCOPICAL STUDY. BY ROBERT QAU8BY. This subject carries us down into a domain which we cannot enter with our own unaided vision, but with tlie help of the microscope we will take our stand on the frontier of two Kingdoms and see if we can learn some of the characteristics of the denizens of this border land. To the superficial observer it may seem a simple thing so to classify organic nature as to place any given object in its proper Kingdom. But, though the higher organisms may present no difficulty, it is very different with the microscopic forms of life ; and, figuratively speaking, as many obsti- nate battles have been fought over this border line as on the frontiers of nations. It is scarcely within the scope of this, paper to enter upon the question as to what is the ultimate test to determine an animal or vege- table. It would take us too far, for one by one, the supposed infallible landmarks have been swept away, till even such a master in science as Huxley has to confess in one of his lectures that the facts he brought forward " tend to the conclusion that the difference between animals and plants is one of degree rather than of kind, and that the problem whether, in a given case, an organism is an animal or a plant may be essentially insoluble." Examining one drop of water we see a multitude of moving forms belong'ing to the Diatomaceas or Brittleworts. Those are remarkable from their possession of a silicious coat which is an object of 'singular beauty, and some species are used as tests to deter- mine the working power of microscope objectives. The species of these organisms are very numerous. Their forms are almost endless in variety and they are distributed over the whole globe. The rocks also bear witness to their existence in the waters of the geological past. The city of Richmond, Vh-ginia, is built over a stratum of diatomaceous earth eighteen feet in thickness and of unknown area. Noticing for a moment the delicate filaments of the Spirogyra and Zygnema we come to the DesmidiaceaB, one most elegant form being the Closterium. The Volvox Globator is one of the most interesting of the Confervoid Algae, and was for years claimed by both Kingdoms. It haw been finally settled that it is a vegetable. The Oseillatoria, the Protoccx n ',, he Vibriones, are all vegetable, though the active motions of most st 1} -■)m s;'omed to indicate animal life, and by early observers they wer<^ >b li' .( luaongst the animal- culsB, but active motion is not by any mearife an infallible indication. Passing here over the line we Gom« to tb« lowest form of animal life, and as the lowest vegetable seems to be the simple cell, so the lowest animal is represented by a particle of jelly-like matter, technically called T' 1/ GUELPJJ SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. m Barcode, and nothin^^ iiiuro. Tho Ainu>ba Proteus prcHeiitu no structure except a vacuole and a few dark dots, yet it is a living being and feeds on other organisms. In the Foraminifera we have a group of similar jelly-like animals, but protected by caicareouH or silicious bIipIIs, witli numerous apertures through which the pHondopods protrude. To this group belongs tho Kozoon CaiiadoiiHc, diHcovorod by Sir Wm. Dawson, of Montreal, and renmrkable as being supposed to be tho earliest repre- sentative of animal life on tho earth. One drop of water presents a very lively appearance owing to the presence in groat numbers, of the Param- ecium or Slipper Animalcule swimming swit'tly and gracefully along with a corkscrew kind of motion. Here is the Amphilcptus witli neck-like extension — and several other allied forms come within our tield of view. Other objects, we ai* sur. to tiiid, though tliey are farther removed from the frontier- — the A'lguiHula I'lnviatilis, one of the nematoid worms ; the Hydra Vuidls, an animal of great interest owing to its remarkable tenacity of lii /inder the most violent mutilation ; the Rotatoria or Wheel Animalcules. Tho Cyclops Quadricornis and Daphnea Pulex are of the EntomostracouH Crustaceans. A more sketch has been presented of the inhabitants of tiiis border-land, tho study of which, once begun, will prove a source of inoxhaustible delight and profit. The paper outlined above was illustrated by living specimens of many of the objects described, and colored drawings of the others. T 1 22 GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. THE CHEMISTKY OF BREAD. BY C. C. JAMES, M. A., PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY, ONTARIO AGRICULTURAL COLtEGE. Ill introducing the subject reference was made to the magnitude of the flouring industry. Minneapohs was especially noted— turning out daily 84,000 barrels of flour, and having capacity for 3J,000,000 bushels of wheat yearly. Wheat, for the most part, is used with us; but rice, potatoes, doorha, rye, corn, and barley are also utilized by other peoples. The structure of the wheat-grain was shown by illustration, consisting of five husk or bran coatings -the epicarp, mesoearp, endocarp, episperm, and tetjmcn ; tlien the perispenn, containing the gluten cells, richest in nitrogenous or albuminoid material ; then the endosperm, containing mobt of the starch or white flour ; and last of all, the chit or germ. The relation of the foods to digestion, and the needs of man were next referred to. An average 150-lb. man consists about as follows : Water, 93.0 lbs. ; nitrogen compounds, 22.5 lbs. ; fat, 23.5 lbs. ; carbohydrates (sugar), 0.2 lbs. ; mineral matters, 10.8 R>s. The gluten of wheat serves to build up muscle and flesh ; the fat and starch to supply heat and force and a surplus of fat ; the mineral matters, to build up bones ; and the water to act as a solvent and to regulate the temperature. Tables were then produced, shewing the chemical composition of potatoes, rice, barley, corn, buckwheat, whcat-flonr and bread. The cooking of the starch into dextien, the production of carbon dioxide and alcohol by the yeast plant, the digestion of the starch by the ptyalin of the saliva, and of the gluten by the gastric juice, were all touched upon. The action of baking powders was explained and also the use of adulterants. In closing this short summary dealing with one department of '• The Science and Art of Cooking," it may not be out of place to add some of the analyses used in elaborating the subject :— i 10.9 11.7 75.7 1.7 O t^ 13.0 10.0 1.0 75.0 1.0 'A < 14.0 14.2 4.2 61.5 6.1 1 1 X < < « CO 8.0 10.3 9.4 70.5 1.8 u t.^ o 5 fe 73. 4.5 2.0 19.5 1.0 < Water 32.7 8.9 1,9 55.5 1. 34.2 9.5 1.4 53.3 1.6 62.0 15.0 15.6 NiTBOQENOUS MATTEB^... Fats SUOAB Starch 0.2 7.2 MiNEBAIi MATTEBB • , GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 28 DANDELIONS. BY W, TYTLER, B. A., COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE, GUELPH. The writer traces the history of the Dandelion from the first appear- ance of the leaves in spring, pointing out the rapid and luxuriant growth of foliage as the result of the large store of food stored up the previous season ni the thick and fleshy roots. The lai-ge supply of fiower-buds IS noticed and especially the reserve foico wliich is rapidly pushed for- ward, if through any accident, the first crop is destroyed. In this con- nection he shows how it is that even when the plant is cut off close to the surface of the ground, in efforts to exterminate it, the embryo blos- soms escape injury, from the fact that the junction of the leaves with the crown of the root is really some distance below the surface. Various experiments are alluded to, showing the rapidity with which ravages are repaired, and the plant placed again in a vigorous and healthy condition, bpecial attention is directed to the flower. The writer describes minutely the structure of the flower im the composite order, and by means of diagrams illustrates the special forms of the Dandelion blossom. A single iiower is closely examined at the various stages of its growth and Its various organs, essential and otherwise, are clearly described llie question of fertilization is next taken up, and a brief account is given of the various ways in which the pollination of flowers is effected Attention IS called to the fact that the stigma closely occupying the interior of the c.rlyx-tube, and being pushed upward through this as it grows, must frcm its position in contact with the ripened anthers in the inner surface of the tube sweep with it the pollen grains which have escaped from the anthers, and carry these with them when they appear above. If self-fertilization does not take place it must be because the sti^matic surface of the style is not. in a receptive condition, and tins is tound for the most part to be the case. The pollen dust which is found in the stigmas is only lying loosely on them and is not adherent as It would be if the stigmas were moist and ready for fertilization Ihis pollen IS easily removable by various agencies, cliieriy insects, and the shaking of the blossoms by the wind or other agents. Insects, no doubt, convey the pollen to other flowers, whose pistils ;.re ready for pollination, and in this way cross-fertilization is effected. Attention is called to the various changes that take place in the form ot tiie receptacle, and consequently in the position of the involucre of bracts attached to its margin. As the hnnd nf finwovc open° *he receptacle, which is at first slightly conotive, becomes "flatter, and after- wards a little convex, and the bracts project radially from its edge. After fertilization, the blossom withers and the bracts again close in immmm mm mmm 24 GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. forming a cone-shaped head, this change m the position of the bracts resulting from a hollowing of the centre ot the receptacle and a raising ofXed^^es When tho seed has become nearly ripe and ready for dis- per on,1;e receptacle again becomes convex while the edges are strongi; bent downwards, causing the bracts to be recurved till they he closely against the scape. This position is necessary to enable eveiy : ed with its accompanying rad.atmg crown of P^PP^. ^^ ^^^P^J; proper position in this globular head seen when the seed is i.pe^ Some- what allied with these changes is the rapid ^^^"f ^'°" .^^w,*^^^^ scape after the seed is fertihzed, especially when the P^^"\g^«^f^ ™J grass, to enable it to raise its. head of ripened seed above t 'e su face of the surrounding vegetation so that the wind may ^'^^.^^^^ ' ^^fi^f;'^^^,'^ dispersion to its seeds. Scapes over thirty inches in lengUi have been measured by the writer. When the seeds have been ^catteied e stalk loses its elasticity and withers away ; the bracts^ again nse but in an irregular way, and the receptacle becomes tiaccid ^"d j^^elf «• J;^'^ remaining portion of the dandelion life during the year is devoted chiefly loXTcfuLlation of a store of food for the next f -«". ^u ' ^ccas^oii- ally, a few weak and imperfect heads are pmdnced tar into the aiitumn and even winter, and the dandelion may be found bloommg in h^^^^^^^^^ localities in the latter days oi November, or even in the begmnmg ol December. CtUELph scientific society. u ASTRONOMICAL WONDERS. BY VEN. ARCHDEACON DIXON. In commencing, the Archdeacon said that he wished to define his position in respect to the subject matter of his lecture. He did not pre* tend to high scientific attainments in physical astronomy, but was merely an amateur, who, at college, went through the ordinary outline of the subject, and afterwards had his attention turned more closely to the wonders of the heavens through having become the possessor of a large and powerful telescope. He then proceeded to dwell on the grandeur and regularity of movement of the immoise bodies occupying the unlim- ited space around us, and defined astronomy as the science which treats of all these heavenly bodies. . It may be divided into three parts- descriptive, physical and practical. The first named concerns facts, the second causes, and practical astronomy tJie means of investigating the facts, whether by instruments or calculations. The doctrine of gravita- tion is the key which unlocks the mysteries of the universe, and it is simply this, tnat every portion of matter in the universe tends to every other. It is an invisible power permeating space that links the planets to the sun which, like a hand, grasps the sling that revolves in a circle around it. The earth on which we live forms rather an insignificant member in the grand processions of the heavenly bodies, both as regards size and splendor of adornment. Alluding- to Jupiter, he said : — It is 88,000 miles in diameter, against the 8,000 of our world, and it has four moons to illuminate it at night, whilst we have only one, and it is necessarily off duty for us fully half the time. The days and nights of Jupiter are only five hours long each, so that it would be a grand place for short hours of labor advocates to migrate to. A month there equals in length year, and their year is equal to twelve of ours. This huge planet our moves too fast for ordinary people to regard with complacency, travelling with its moons eight miles every second. He next considered Saturn, the ringed planet, which, though in appearance dull and insignificant to the naked eye, is revealed by the telescope to be the most beautiful and complex in construction of all the members of the solar system. Galileo was the discoverer of the brilliant rings surrounding this planet, but he dare say little about them in his timg for scientific discovery was then rank heresy. It has eight moons, one only lately discovered ; its diameter is 79,000 miles ; its day about the same length as that of Jupiter, and its year equal to thirty of ours. Taking it altogether it presents to us more magnificent and diversified celestial phenomena than any other planet in our system, The next planet alluded to was Uranus, with its six moons, and its year equal to eighty-four of ours. It was through occa- 26 GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. sional irregularities and eccentricities in the course of this planet, and through astronomers wishing to get at the cause of these perturbations, that the great planet Neptune was discovered, England losing the credit of this discovery through the incredulity of Professor Airey, the Astronomer Royal, although Mr. Adams, an English astronomer, had long before called liis attention to his observations and placed on record his firm belief that such a planet must exist in almost exactly the same spot as that in which Neptune was discovered. This is regarded as one of the most marvellous illustrations of the power of the human intellect in the annals of science. Adams and Leverrier pointed out the place in the heavens where a hitherto unknown world existed, from the supposed influence of such a body in producing at long inter- vals, eccentricities of motion in another planet nine hundred millions of miles distant from its orbit. The discovery of the spectroscope enabled astronomers to ascertain the formation and character of all the heavenly bodies they brought within their gaze, and was one of the grandes't inventions of the age. Through it Professor Huggins, a few years since, proved beyond a doubt that there were seas on Mars. The lecturer here described the manner in which it did its work and the certainty of its correctness. The sun was then spoken of as the centre of our system, holding the other bodies in their regular courses. It is hard to realize its immense size, one million, four hundred thousand times that of the earth, and 95,000,000 miles from us. It will give us an idea of its enor- mous bulk were we to suppose it hollowed out, leaving only the outer shell. Place the earth in its centre, and the moon revolving round it, its diameter of orbit being 274,000 miles, and yet from that orbit to the external shell of the sun there would still be 20i.000 miles. This enor- mous globe is the scene of tremendous convulsions. There are volcanic eruptions when vast cohuiuis of flame flash upwards from thirty to eighty thousand miles in iieight, and raging cyclones of fire sweep over it with inconceivable rapidity. But still there are <^iher suns known as fixed stars, far larger and grander than ours, surrounded by satellites like our own, these being arranged in divisions known as constellations. Our sun is only as one to fourteen when compared with Sirius, it being 12,000,000 miles in diameter, and these fixed stars are at such distances that no telescopes, however powerful, increase their apparent size, even when viewed through glasses that magnify several thousand times. The Pleiades were next described, containing to the naked eye seven stars, but the telescope revealing over seventy. These are alluded to in the book of Job by the same name, the original Hebrew word meaning an axle or point which turns round and also moves other bodies, and it has been latel> declared by Professor Madler that Alcyone, the central figure of the Pleiades, was the centre of that tremendous attraction that drew all the systems of the Heavens in an orbit at the rate of 422,000 miles a day, and which it will take thousa)ids of years to travel round. The lecturer alluded to a correspondence he had a few years since with the ii-tcui --i^uxiioii ui v^aimua uu iiiia puiui. iu liis uumirauie tranaiaiion of the book of Job he puts for "sweet influences," " the bands " or chains. This gives a far loftier significance to the question of the Almighty — ^ GUELPH SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 27 •• Canst thou arrest that attractive influence which the Pleiades exercise over the countless suns and planetary worlds whirling around them," seems to be the true force of the enquiry. He concluded by showing that amid all the grandeur of the worlds around, man seemed insignifi- cant, but what gave him his great glory in the scale of created things was his immortality — " The spirit shall return to Him Who gave its Heavenly spark ; Yet, think not Sun, it shall be dim When thou, thyself, art dark ! No, it shall live again and shine In bliss unknown to beams of thine. By Him recalled to breath, Who, captive, led captivity — Who robbed the grave of victory. And took the sting from death."