Notes

Abstract

THE foundation-stone of the new museum of McGill College Montreal, to which we referred some time ago, was laid on September 21 by the Marquis of Lome. Principal Dawson in thanking Mr. Redpath, the donor, for his generous gift, stated that the museum would be not merely a place for the exhibition of specimens,; but a teaching instrument and a laboratory of original research; a great natural science department of the University, in which the classes in geology and biology would receive their instruction, original workers would be trained in all departments of natural science, and from which would go forth the men—and, he trusted, the women also—best fitted to bring to light the hidden treasures of the Dominion, and to avert by the aid of science the injuries with which any of its industries might be threatened. Dr. Dawson referred to other noble examples of private local or national liberality on the American continent, besides those of which Montreal can boast—to “the great National Museum at Washington, whichsis intended to rival, and if possible surpass, the British Museum; the Central Park Museum of New York, on which that great city has lavished vast sums of money; the Zoological Museum of Harvard, whose revenues would suffice to s upport some entire universities in this country; or the foundations of Mr. Peabody, which have established great museums in several American cities.” And he hoped that this latest gift to Montreal would stimulate other benefactions, especially for their Faculty of Applied Science, so that the physical apparatus and class-rooms of the University might be as well provided for as their natural science collections.