The minutes of the last annual meeting being read and approved, Mr. P. B. Casgrain proceeded to read the annual report of the Council for 1899.

The society is happy to announce that, owing to the liberality of several generous friends, it is now entering into a brighter era as to its financial position.

Among its benefactors it has pleasure in naming the late Mrs. Renfrew, the widow of Mr. Geo. Renfrew, one of its oldest and most worthy members, who recently bequeathed the society a legacy of $500.00.

Dr. James Douglas, now of New York, one of its former most zealous presidents, who recently donated $500.00, with a promise of $500.00 additional whenever the society's endownment fund should reach $10,000; and Archibald Campbell, Esq., of Thornhill, one of its recent esteemed past presidents, who presented the society with an additional cheque for $100.00.

The endowment fund has also, during the year, been increased by two life subscriptions of $40 each from two life members, Hon. John Sharples, M.L.C., and Felix Carbray, Esq., M.P.P.

Amidst these subjects of congratulation, the society, however, regrets to have to express its disappointment at the discontinuance of the Government annual grant of $750 received for so many years in aid of the publication of the society's historical researches, etc., in the annual Transactions.

In May, 1887, when $500.00 was granted by the Provincial Government to the Institut Canadien, Hon. D. A. Ross, then Attorney-General, informed the council in writing that: "that it was by inadvertence that nothing was granted to the society. . . . . . this error will be remedied next session."

The society is still awaiting the fulfilment of this efficient pledge. The society owes a debt of gratitude to the Governors of Morrin College for their liberal dealings with it and for the use of their Convocation Hall for the winter course of lectures, etc.

The reading room and library continue to attract crowds of strangers and distinguished visitors desirous of consulting our archives. and rare books on Canadian annals.

As further inducements to join our ranks, the society counts on having shortly in addition to its splendid collection of standard reviews and magazines, about $1,000 worth of new books on history, travel, general literature, etc.

The winter course of lectures has been well attended. Dr. MacRae lectured on "Abelard and the rise of the Universities;" and Professor

Gunn, of Morrin College, on "Joan of Arc." These interesting studies will find place in our Transactions.

A movement of paramount importance which our association, as the oldest historical society in the Dominion, considered herself specially called on to promote, has been furthered during the past year, to wit, the preservation as an historical monument of the Plains or what remains of the Plains of Abraham, on the south-eastern portion of the plateau, where was fought the battle of the 13th September, 1759, and nearly on the same locality, the second battle of the 28th April, 1760. What remains of this area was thus rendered sacred ground in our history, and the 99 years lease of it to the Government for exercising grounds for the troops will shortly lapse and it will revert to its original owners.

An earnest appeal was made by our Society to the leading Canadian historical societies, asking their help and co-operation in the memorial addressed to the Dominion Government, the present occupants of the grounds. This appeal and the hearty and encouraging replies received from every part of the Dominion will appear in our "Transactions."

The President of this society, the council is happy to say, has devoted much time and research in locating the site of both battles.

An able lecture on the first battle was delivered by him on 14th December last, to be shortly followed by another lecture describing the second battle of the Plains of Abraham.

We subjoin the report of the Treasurer and also of the Librarian.
The roll of members shows the following changes for the past year:
Left the City...

Deaths-Hon. E. J. Price..

New Members

Honorary Member-Gilbert Parker ..

2

1

10

1

The Treasurer's report showed the receipts to be.$ 772 25

The interest in the library received an impetus this year through the legacy received from the estate of the late Mrs. G. R. Renfrew, which enabled the council to authorize the expenditure of about $100 for the

purchase of new books. A selection of 58 volumes, comprising works of travel, history, fiction and current literature by the best authors, has been placed on our shelves at a cost of $89, and the balance of the vote will be expended shortly in a like manner. This small timely accession to the library, which has been greatly appreciated by the members of the society, has shown that the council recognizes the importance of the library to the welfare of the institution. When the generous donation promised to the library by Dr. James Douglas is received a large purchase of books will be made. The donations and exchanges amount to 23 bound and 263 unbound volumes, received from Quebec citizens and from kindred societies converging from all parts of the world. 1,103 volumes have been circulated among the members during the past year, and the library has been much used for reference by strangers making researches into Canadian history, notably Gilbert Parker, through his secretary, and Miss McIlwraith, who kindly presented us with a copy of her admirable historical romance "Span o' Life.”

Thus the close of the 19th century bids fair for the success of the old institution.

Quebec, 30th December, 1899.

F. C. WURTELE,

Librarian.

On motion of Mr. P. Johnston, seconded by Sir James Le Moine, the reports of the council, treasurer and librarian were adopted.

The election of officers was the next business in order.

Sir James Le Moire moved and seconded by Mr. Archd. Campbell, "that Dr. James Douglas be elected Honorary President for the great interest he has always shown in and great service he has always rendered. to our society." Carried unanimously.

Messrs. D. H. Geggie and Arch. Foulds were appointed scrutineers and the following members were respectively declared elected by ballot : President-Capt. William Wood.

1st Vice-President-Sir James LeMoine.
2nd Vice-President John T. Ross, Esq.
3rd Vice-President-Cyr. Tessier, Esq.

4th Vice-President-Peter Johnston, Esq.
Treasurer-James Geggie, Esq.

Recording Secretary-Alex. Robertson, Esq.
Corresponding Secretary-J. F. Dumontier, Esq.

Council Secretary-Archibald Foulds, Esq.

Librarian-F. C. Wurtele, Esq.

Curator of Museum-Frank Carrel, Esq.

Curator of Apparatus-Wm. Clint, Esq.

Additional Members of Council-Messrs. P. B. Casgrain, Archd. Campbell, Jas. Morgan, D. Geggie.

Mr. J. W. Strachan was re-appointed Assistant Librarian and Caretaker.

Mr. P. B. Casgrain, whose term of office had expired, then vacated the chair which was taken by the President elect, Capt. Wm. Wood, who thanked the meeting for their confidence in him and conveyed to the ExPresident the following cordial thanks of the whole society :

Moved by Mr. Peter Johnston, seconded by Mr. Archd. Campbell :

That the hearty thanks of the society be given to the retiring President, P. B. Casgrain, Esq., for his admirable services to the society during his term of office." Mr. Casgrain added, on the conclusion of the foregoing report, that Sir John Bourinot was, in the beginning of the year, elected an honorary member of the Society.

XXI.-From The Hamilton Ladies' College Alumna Association, through MRS. T. H. PRATT.

This society has been one of the most popular and successful associations on the continent. For a number of seasons they provided excellent lecture courses, but owing to lack of support from the citizens of Hamilton this part of the work was given up. Among those who have lectured under the auspices of the Alumnæ were Bayard Taylor, Martin Farquhar Tupper, Wendell Phillips, Prof. Clarke, etc. About sixteen years ago a literary club was formed which has been successfully carried on ever since. The club meets the second and fourth Friday of each month from October to June, at the residence of the President, Mrs. T. H. Pratt. The leader, Miss Isabel Walton, is a most capable one, and so versatile she can always fill any blank in the programme at the shortest notice. As a rule the members are very prompt and faithful in writing their papers, but occasionally through illness and other causes they are unable to do their allotted work. Last season the subject for study was "The History, Literature and Art of Spain," and many interesting and valuable papers were read. Mrs. Bertie Smith and Miss Ethel Ambrose kept us posted on "Topics of the Time," Mrs. L. D. Birely kept us up to date in the world of art, and Miss Nisbet gave the musical and dramatic news. Miss Walton's book reviews and literary chit-chat were a special feature of the meetings. We feel it is a record to be proud of so many years of solid literary work, which has been of great good to many ladies.

The officers for 1900-1 are:

President-Mrs. T. H. Pratt.

1st Vice-President-Miss Isabel Walton.

2nd Vice-President-Mrs. (Dr.) Griffin.

Secretary-Mrs. Robert Fearman.

Treasurer-Miss Alma Freeman.

Press Correspondent-Miss Minnie Jean Nisbet.
Leader Literary Club-Miss Isabel Walton.

Last season we were favoured with a visit from Sir John Bourinot, who gave a most interesting address on "Literature and Art in Canada.” The informal discussion which followed being especially enjoyed by the members. Rev. George F. Salton addressed us on the Tel-El-Armna Tablets, and gave us much food for thought. We have to regret the loss of a good and valued friend, Rev. Dr. Burns, late President of the Hamilton Ladies' College. He always took a warm interest in our association and was ever ready to aid us in every possible way. By his death we have lost one whose place can never be filled. Our subject for next year's study is "The War Note in Literature," and a unique and interesting programme is being arranged.

XXII. From The Women's Canadian Historical Society of Toronto, through MISS FITZGIBBON.

I have the honour of submitting to you the fourth annual report of the Women's Canadian Historical Society of Toronto.

Miss Mowat as the representative of Government House, Ontario, has kindly consented to accept office as Honorary President. At the annual meeting of the society on November 16th, 1899, Mrs. Forsyth Grant was unanimously elected President. Lady Edgar having resigned that office in consequence of her great bereavement in the death of Sir James Edgar.

Eight regular, eight executive and two special meetings have been held. At the first the following papers have been submitted:

"Amherst Island and its Neighbourhood," by Mrs. Edward Leigh. "The War of the Conquest subsequent to the Fall of Quebec," by Miss Fitzgibbon.

"Sir William Johnson at Niagara, 1759," by Miss Constance Boulton. "The First Three Years of British Rule," by Mrs. Jeffers Graham. "Some Elections and the Battle of Hastings," by Mrs. Chamberlin. "Treaty of Paris from the Side of the Minority," by Mrs. J. A. Paterson. "Historic Sketch of Canadian Women in Art," by Mrs. Dignam. "Sir Guy Carleton and his Administration," by Miss C. Fleming. "Conditions in Lower Canada before 1837," by Mrs. J. W. F. Harrison (Seranus).