Barrie
Belleville......
Hamilton

Barrie

Hamilton
Stratford

10th ultimo, that

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full moon, in her greatest lustre, falls into the shadow of the earth, and is deprived of the enlivening beams of the sun, she appears pale and languid before her obscuration, as if sick and going to die. From hence the ignorant heathen imagined the moon was in pain at those times, and therefore lunar eclipses were called by them "lunc her in that fancied distress, they used to hold up lighted torches labores" the struggles or agonies of the moon. 1n order to relieve and to keep blowing with trumpets and horns, and to make a clatter

on vessels of brass and iron, and to sacrifice to the moon after the eclipse was over. This practice was of great antiquity, as well as

You are already aware, from previous correspondence with the Department, that the Legislature of the Province, at the instance of the Chief Superintendent of Education, authorized the establishment of a meteorological station in every county in Upper Canada, in connection with the Department of Public Instruction, the observers being the head masters of grammar schools. The follow-was the opinion that it was in the power of witches, by their spells ing instruments were obtained from England for each station Barometer by Negretti and Zambra; Dry and Wet Bulb Thermometers by the same: and Maximum and Minimum Thermometers by the same and by Casella. These were compared with standards at the Kew Observatory, by Mr. Glaisher, and again at the Toronto Observatory. They are excellent instruments and may be relied on. Each station is also supplied with a wind vane and rain gauge. Full instructions and tables, together with forms for periodical reports are provided for the observers.

from her orbit, and force her to shed baneful influences on the earth.
and charms, not only to darken the moon, but to bring her down
The Chinese, some 4,000 years ago calculated the period of eclipses.
These appearances were ushered in by them by the beating of drums
by blind men, and processions by the great officers of State.
dour the appearances usually seen; the deep shades of the celestial
The eclipse of the moon on Friday night was surpassing in splen-
space contrasted so beautifully with the "silvery moon" up to 8 p.

m.

Cumulus clouds obscured distinct vision, but at 8.15 the orb of night shone out with great brightness. The clouds had passed away. To the southward a few, and but few, of the stars were visible, some of the first and second magnitude; the others were dim-blotted

As some of the counties have hesitated to pay for the instruments, and in others the observations were not duly taken, it was deemed necessary in 1865 to obtain further legislation and regula-out by the superior light of one satellite. tions on the subject. Although some observers faithfully performed their duty under the former system, it was found that more satisfactory results would be obtained by restricting the number of stations and making a pecuniary allowance to observers for their labors. Our stations are now ten (10) in number, situated at the most favorable points between Long. 83° and 74° W., and Lat. 42° and 46° N. The observers are educated men, and graduates of universities. Arrangements have also been made for the careful examination and comparison of the records of the observations at this office. The results will appear monthly in our official journal. I send herewith copies of some recent regulations which we have

A 2 inches achromatic, by Dolland (and the only one possessed by the McGill Observatory,) with a power of 150, brought out the constant obscured features of the surface of our moon; the edges at that time were very sharp and well defined. This instrument was constantly watched, but it was not of sufficient power to show the phenomena satisfactorily.

issued to our stations.

As our meteorological establishments are now being placed on a
more satisfactory footing, we may hope to contribute information
of a permanent value; and your institution would confer a favor on
this Department by sending us as complete a series of its meteor-
ological reports-with any papers bearing on the subject as it may
be able to afford.
I have, &c.,

(Signed), J. GEORGE HODGINS,
Deputy Superintendent.
Joseph Henry, Esq., LL.D.,
Secretary Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C.

[Copy.]

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION,

Washington, April 3rd, 1866.

DEAR SIR,-We are much interested in your letter of the 26th ult. (No. 2570) in which is contained an account of the improve ments lately made in your system of meteorology. I had prepared some remarks in regard to this subject for insertion in the annual report for 1865, which I am now enabled to render more definite, by the facts you have given me.

I shall also publish your letter as a part of the appendix to the report and will add to it the recent regulations which you have adopted.

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One

Another telescope, kindly lent, with an object glass of nearly 7 inches in diameter, and wtih a power of 180, was also placed in position, and at 44 minutes past 8 there was a softening of the moon's bright limb to the east, by a brownish colored shadow, which increased in shade until the penumbra became distinctly visible. This shadow could not be seen with the smaller instrument, showing that it is necessary for the vision of the earth's atmosphere, to possess instruments of large size, so as to admit a great amount of the rays of light. The observations on the progress of this shadow and penumbra over the disc of the moon was very closely watched by both instruments until the total phase commenced. A few minutes before the total phase was concluded, the bright limb of the moon seemed to project or assume a conical shape, as though it projected from the moon beyond its circular appearance, or as though it was distorted or gibbous. This was only optical. At 10h. 49m. the total phase took place, and lasted 1h. 37m. Leaving these appearances, let us notice what took place in the surrounding view. by one the stars of the different magnitudes became as it were lighted up; thousands of these stars were visible throughout the extended horizon; not a cloud obscured the whole face of the field of view, and in the centre of these was the moon, with a dim and unearthly aspect. Nature seemed sad, and hushed in solemn repose, the quiet of midnight, away from the busy stir of the city, added effect to the novel aspect of the scene. For upwards of an hour and a half this continued, and then the twinkling stars were again one by one blotted out from human vision, the moon again assumed its silvery aspect, it merged from its obscurity far brighter in appearance than before, and it took up again its "wondrous tale," the prediction of the astronomer was realized-science had achieved its victory-the Paschal moon set before the Royal Mountain. The course of nature was scarcely disturbed; a slight and occasional breeze swept through the leafless branches of the trees; no other special phenomena seemed to result from it; the usual meteorologicial observations yielded no abnormal results, neither did the magnetic instruments.

It is to be regretted that these appearances were not photographed, and that Montreal did not possess an instrument sufficiently large and of proper construction for the purpose.-Com. by Dr. Smallwood, to Montreal Transcript.

II. The County School Conventions.

1. MINUTES OF RESOLUTIONS PASSED AFTER DISCUS-
SION BY EACH CONVENTION; EXTRACTED FROM THE OFFICIAL
REPORTS OF THE CONVENTIONS FURNISHED TO THE DEPART-
MENT BY THE RESPECTIVE CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES.

I. RESPECTING TOWNSHIP BOARDS OF EDUCATION.

At St. Catharines, January 15.-Moved by Charles Dona'dson, Esq., seconded by James Lilleland, Esq., and (by a majority of two to one,)

Resolved,That in the opinion of this meeting, Township Boarda

of Trustees are better adapted to the wants of the country than the school law so far as having Township Boards of Trustees instead of present system of School Section Trustees.

Welland, January 16.-Moved by the Rev. Charles Walker, se-change. conded by Rev. George Bell, and

Resolved,-That instead of the present system of School Sections, a Board of School Trustees be annually elected by the people, to take the entire charge of the schools in the Township for which they are elected.

At Cayuga, January 17.-Moved by Thomas Slaven, Esq., seconded by T. Hodder, Esq., and

Resolved, That, after having heard the opinion of the Chief Superintendent, as expressed before this meeting, as to the changing of the School Board of Trustees, it is the opinion of this meeting that the present School Section arrangement in Townships has worked well, and it is therefore their opinion that it should not be abolished.

Amendment,-Moved by William Grant, Esq., seconded by Thomas Mussen, Esq.-That it is the opinion of this Convention, that if any change is made in the present mode of managing schools by Sectional Trustees, such mode shall be left to any Township to say whether it will adopt the new method of Township Board or not. Lost.

At Simcoe. January 18.-Moved by Rev. Mr. Cragie, seconded by Rev. Mr. Willoughby, and

Resolved,That in the opinion of this meeting it is advisable that the schools of the Township should be placed under the control of one Board of Trustees.

Moved by Dr. Clarke, seconded by Mr. Wallace, and That it is inexpedient te abolish the existing system of rural school Resolved,That it is the opinion of this meeting that a special sections, but that Section No 32 of the Common School Act be Board of School Trustees should be elected by the people to adjust amended by making provisions for the establishment of Township the school matters of its Township. That it is not advisable to make Boards at any time by a majority of the qualified municipal electors; the Township Councils this Township Board, and also that the posi-such desire to be manifested by a general vote or by petition, pubtion and attitude of this Township Board of School Trustees to its lic notice having been given as to the intention of the municipality Council, should be similar in every respect to that of Boards of to pass such by-law. Lost. School Trustees in Incorporated Villages, Towns, and Cities to their several Town or City Municipal Councils.

Amendment,-Moved by the Rev. Mr. McDermid, seconded by H. Silvester, Esq.

That one Board of Trustees for the entire Township, would be a great improvement on the present system of school sections, and that therefore such change is desirable. Lost.

The local newspaper report of the Woodstock meeting contains the following:

"NOTE-It is proper to state that before a vote was taken as to the establishment of Township instead of Section Boards, the chairman requested that that part of the audience from Woodstock and Ingersoll should not vote. Had it been otherwise, it was the opinion of many that the decision would have been in favor of Township Boards."

At Berlin, February 6.-Moved by J. E. Bowman, Esq., M.P.P. seconded by Isaac L. Bowman, Esq., and

Resolved,-That in the opinion of this meeting, it would be expedient to change the present system of School Section Boards to that of Township Boards.

At Guelph, February 7.-Moved by Mr. Whitelaw, seconded by Mr. Royce, and

Resolved, That this meeting regards the present system of School Sections in Townships as satisfactory, and the change proposed not desirable.

At Brampton, February 8.-Moved by Mr. Starrat, seconded by Mr. Blain.

it is desirable to have one Board of School Trustees for each Township, as there is one Board of Trustees for each ci town and incor porated village. That each Board be a separate corporation from the Municipal Council, and that its members be elected by the qualified electors of the Township.

Amendment,-Moved by Mr. Nocen, seconded by Dr. Moore,] That the present school system as regards the election of school section Trustees is a birthright of local self government and one which we are unwilling to part with, and therefore consider the distruction of school sections as an invasion of our best interest. No decision arrived at.

At Napanee, February 19.-Moved by Rev. Mr. Smythe, seconded by E. Mallory, Esq., and, (almost unanimously) Resolved, That in the opinion of this convention the proposed change of the Trustee Board is one highly desirable. At Kingston, February 20.-Moved by the Rev. Mr. Chambers, seconded by Dr. Barker, and

Resolved, That this meeting having listened to the views of the Rev. Dr. Ryerson, in reference to the constitution of the Board of School Trustees for Townships, express their approbation of them, and their desire to have them embodied in the Common School Law for general use throughout the country.

At Renfrew, February 22.-Moved by Rev. Peter Lindsay, seconded by Rey. Wm. Creighton, and

That School Section Boards of Trustees be abolished, and that Township Boards be established as suggested by the Chief Super-pality in place of distinct Boards be adopted. intendent. Lost.

Amendment,-Moved by Rev. James Pringle, seconded by Mr. James Hamilton, and

Resolved,-That in the opinion of this meeting, it is not desirable that there should be any change in the Trusteeship of the School Sections; and that, were the changes contemplated by the Chief Superintendent carried into effect, instead of putting an end to all disputes it is to be feared they would be a never failing source of trouble and contention.

At Milton, February 9.-Moved by H. M. Switzer, Esq., seconded by Dr. Buck, and

Resolved, That it is desirable for the benefit of education to establish Township Boards to be elected by the Township as a whole.

At Port Hope, February 13.-Moved by J. Foote, Esq., seconded by A. Choate, Esq.

That this meeting approves of the suggestions made by the Chief Superintendent of Education for abolishing school section Boards of Trustees, and substituting in their place Township Boards. Lost. At Lindsay, February 13.

Resolved, That one Board of Trustees be established for each Township, to consist of six members.

At Peterboro', February 15.-Moved by S. Grover, Esq., 80conded by Mr. Read,

That the suggestions of the Chief Superintendent of Education for Upper Canada as to the abolishing of School Section Boards for the Common Schools and the substitution therefor of tho Township Boards meets with our approval. Lost.

Amendment,-Moved by Mr. Stratton, seconded by Mr. Dundas,

and

Resolved, That inasmuch as it is believed that the introduction of Township Boards instead of School Section Boards, as at present, would not advance the cause of education; it is therefore desirable that the school section system as at present be retained in any new act.

At Cobourg, February 15.-Moved by Mr. Ferris, seconded by Mr. Fisher, and

Resolved, That this meeting is fully convinced, notwithstanding the able explanations given by the Chief Superintendent, that the appointment of School Trustees for each Common School Section as the law now requires, tends to create a more general interest in the advancement of education, is more convenient, and less expensive than the one proposed of appointing township Boards with merely a visiting Committee for each Common School; but that, in order to give the system of appointing a Board of Township Trustees a fair trial, and the people an opportunity of voting on the question, the meeting is of opinion, that if a majority of School Sections in any Township are desirous of having a Township Board of Trustees, the law should be so amended as to allow them to do so.

At Belleville, February 16.-Moved by Mr. Joseph Hogle seconded by Mr. Jas. A Vandervoort, and

Resolved,-That in the opinion of this meeting, the present system of School Sections works beneficially, and that it is not advisable to make any alteration in the Law in that respect.

At Picton, February 17.-Moved by Dr. Gillespie, second by Thos.
Donnelly, Esq.

That instead of the present school section divisions and Trustees

Resolved, That the recommendation of Dr. Ryerson in regard to substitnting one Township Board of Trustees for each municiAmendment,-Moved by Andrew Irwine, Esq., seconded by Wm. Halpenny, Esq.

That it would be highly inexpedient and not at all calculated to advance the Educational interests of the Province, to alter the provisions of the existing law with regard to common school Trustees. Lost.

At Brockville, February 23.-Moved by John C. Millar, Esq. J.P. seconded by R. Feilds, Esq. J. P., and, (almost unanimously,) Resolved,-That in the opinion of this meeting the proposed change of system in the appointment of Township Boards instead of school section Trustees, is calculated to improve the efficiency of the school system, and should become the general law of the land. At Cornwall, February 27.-Moved by Col. McLean, seconded by Mr. John Raymond, and

Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable to have instead of the present School Section Divisions and Trustees, one Board of School Trustees for each Township, as there is one such Board for each city, town, and incorporated village. That such Board should be a corporation separate from the Municipal Corporation of the Townships, and that its members should be elected by the qualified electors of the Township on the day of the Annual Township Meeting.

At Alexandria, February 28.-Moved by A. M. McKenzie, Esq., seconded by John Stewart, Esq., and

Resolved, That instead of the present school section divisions, and trustees, it is desirable to have one Board of School Trustees for each Township as there is one Board of Trustees for each city, town, and incorporated village.

At L'Orignal, March 1.-Moved by P. O. O'Brien, Esq., seconded by Robert Hamilton, Esq., and

Resolved,That this meeting approves of the amendment suggested by the Chief Superintendent of Education, to the school law, substituting Township Boards for the existing school sections.

At Ottawa, March 3.-Moved by Rev. Mr. Pattyson, secondod by Mr. McGillivray, and

Resolved,-That instead of the present School Section divisions and Trustees, it is desirable to have one Board of School Trustees for each Township, as there is one Board of School Trustees for each City, Town, and incorporated Village. That such Board be a separate corporation from the Municipal Council, and that its members be elected by the qualified electors of the Township, and on the same day with the annual town meetings.

At Perth, March 8.-Moved by Byrne, Esq., seconded by McN. Shaw, Esq.

That in the opinion of this meeting, it is unwise to change the present school sections by substituting in lieu thereof, Township Boards. Lost, (only six votes in its favour).

Moved by R. Shaw, Esq., seconded by G. Kerr, Esq., and

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the proposed change of system in the appointment of Township Boards, instead of School Section Boards as at present, is calculated to improve the efficiency of the school system, and should become the law of the land.

Of the forty county conventions, twenty-five formally expressed a desire to adopt the principle of township boards, in one, the resolution affirming it was lost, ten passed resolutions in opposition to that principle, one convention is reported as not having arrived

Resolved, That County Boards of Examiners of five members, At Stratford, January 29.-Moved by Rev. Mr. Doak, and un-each should be appointed, subject to the control of a Provincial animously Board, with power to grant Provincial Certificates. At Peterboro', February 14.-Moved by Mr. Edwards, seconded by Mr. Dumble, and