The president occupied the chair and introduced Col. J.H. Duvar who read a very excellent paper entitled "Some inquiry into the Ethnology of the Island".

Remarks were made at the close of the meeting by Mr. E. Roche, Mr. Bain and Dr. Leeming." (N.H.S. Minute Book)_

On Feb. 14, 1890, the Daily Examiner published this report on the first annual meeting of the society:

The

"The annual meeting of the Natural History Society was held yesterday afternoon as previously announced. The following members were present: Hon. D. Laird, Hon. A.A. McDonald,

Charles Palmer, Q.C.; Dr. McLeod, Dr. Leeming, D. Montgomery,

Wm. Brown, John Newson, Geo. F. Owen, W.L. Cotton, L.W. Watson, Donald McKenzie, Isaac Oxenham, Thomas May, John McSwain,

J.D. Seaman, Geo. E. Robinson, Mrs. R. Johnson, Miss Mattie Owen, Miss Annie Johnson.

Mr. McDonald presided in the absence of the President, who was delayed by official duties. After a few introductory remarks by the chairman, the Secy—Treas. gave a statement of the work of the society during the past year. It was organized on the 26th of March, last, with six members. Now the member— ship is fifty-two. The financial statement was then submitted, showing a balance in hand of $38.54.

Several matters connected with the future working of the Society were then discussed. Amongst others, the question of embracing within the scope of the society the civil as well as the natural history of the Province. This proposal was well presented and advocated by Mr. Owen, and favorably considered by many of the members present. By a vote of the meeting the subject was referred to the Executive Committee with authority to deal with it.

A cordial vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. J.D. McLeod, who had generously granted the society the free use of his Hall during the last summer.

Mr. Bain presented to the society a copy of his new book on the Natural History of Prince Edward Island. A vote of was passed expressive of the Society's appreciation of Mr. Bain's valuable labors in the cause of science.

Mr. Watson gave notice of a motion to amend the by-laws of the Society respecting the fees for membership.

The following officers were then elected for the ensuing year:

Hon. D. Laird, President

Hon. A.A. McDonald, Vice President

D. Montgomery, Sec'y Treas.

Executive Committee — L.W. Watson, Francis Bain, John Newson George F. Owen, John McSwain, Dr. Leeming, Wm. Brown.

The following have consented to read papers before the Society during the coming year: L.W. Watson, on Car iVorous Plants; Judge Alley, on 'The Indians'; Dr. Leeming, on 'Insects"; Francis Bain, (Subject to be hereafter announced.)"

fee question was cleared up on July l4,fil090.

Fees "That members shall pay upon admission the fee of $1.00 and all members shall pay annually (upon the lst of November or within one month afterwards the fee of $1.00). Non- payment of this fee shall forfeit membership but members so lapsing may at any time rejoin the Society under same conditions as new members. Payment at any time of $5.00

shall entitle members to life membership." (N.H.S. Minute Book)

The Natural History Society Public Lectures made a Strong impact

in Charlottetown and the surrounding districts and sometimes attracted

many non-members,

in addition to the educated and talented membership.

The Daily Examiner reported on one of these society meetings as "some

of our best citizens were in attendance" and of course,

eighty—nine

years later, we would be the first to admit that nothing has changed!