OFFICERS

OF THE

LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

FOR THE YEAR 1834.

 

President,

WILLIAM SHEPPARD, Esquire.

 

Vice-Presidents,

HONORABLE A. W. COCHRAN. A. B.

JOSEPH SKEY, M, D. D. I. G. H. .

REV, DANIEL WILKIE, A. M.

Lieut. FREDERICK H, BADDELEY, R. E. M. S. F.

 

Recording Secretary,

ROBERT H. GAIRDNER, Esquire.

 

Corresponding Secretary,

JONATHAN WURTELE, Esquire.

 

Council Secretary,

Dr. LLOYD

 

Treasurer,

ROBERT SYMES, Esquire.

 

Librarian,

GEORGE OKILL STUART, Esquire.

 

Curator of Museum,

HENRY D. SEWEI.L, Esquire, A. M.

 

Curator of Apparats,

WILLIAM H.A. DAVIES, Esquire.

 

REPORT

 

OF THE COUNCIL of the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, at the Anniversary Meeting of the Society for the election of officers, January 14th, 1835.

 

The period being now arrived for the Members of your Council to lay down their respective offices, it becomes their duty to submit for your consideration an account of their proceedings in the execution of the trust reposed in them. In laying before you a. statement of the present

condition of the Society, the Council hope that the improved state of the Institution will be apparent; and trust that it will be equally evident that steady advances are making towards a condition which will render the Society efficient in realizing the intentions and warmest

hopes of the founders.

 

The Council have great pleasure in being able to announce the favourable light, in which your endeavours in the advancement of Science are held by your fellow-subjects. The continued liberality of the Legislature may be viewed, at once, as a proof of this, as well as of disposition to promote the ends of the Society. In the late Session; a grant of the sum of fifty pounds for the use of this Institution was included in the Act for the extension of Education ; a pecuniary aid for which the Society cannot but entertain a grateful sense. The mode in which this sum has been expended, it is hoped, will meet with your approbation, and correspond with the Intentions of the Legislature. One half of the sum was appropriated to the acquisition of scientific books; and the other half, in equal proportions, was voted for the purchase of Philosophical Instruments, and for the. increase of the Museum of Natural History. The additions to the Society's collections this source will fully appear in the Reports of the Librarian and the Curators respectively.

 

On assuming Office, your Council found several Members in delivering regular courses of Lectures on Literary and Scientific subjects. Nothing remained to effect in this department, but to facilitate the arrangement already made by their predecessors in office.— Lectures on subjects, varied to suit different tastes, and particular pursuits, were regularly delivered weekly to numerous and respectable audiences ; and continued down to a late period in the spring. It is more fitting for you to form an opinion relative to the advantages resulting from these Lectures, than for the Council to offer one; it may, however, be safely assumed that this begining of a popular mode of instruction in the higher branches of knowledge, has not been totally without good effect. Fully convinced of the utility of the measure, the Council venture to recommend its further prosecution to their successors in office.[1]

 

Early in the year, the Council were called upon to carry into effect your orders for the engraving of a Diploma, the making of a pair of Steel Dies for Medals, and the construction of a Common Seal for the use of the Corporation. London was selected as the most eligible place for procuring these articles; and the Council have to report that through the seal and care of a very useful Officer,[2] then about to visit Britain, the several articles have been executed, and are now in the Society's possession. You are also indebted to the kind Offices in London of an active Corresponding Member for advice and services, readily and gratuitously rendered in the accomplishment of this object.

 

The Diplomas have been in a state of preparation during some time, but owing to untoward and unforeseen circumstances, at the head of which may be ranked the recurrence of that dreadful scourge the Cholera Morbus, their issue bas been retarded. All difficulties, however, now seem to have disappeared, and the Council feel themselves warranted in reporting, that the Diplomas will be ready for delivery without further loss of time.

 

On the arrival of the Medals ordered to be struck off, the Council took immediate steps to redeem your pledge made so long ago as 1831, to the successful candidate of a Prize

Paper, entitled, " On the localities of Metallic Minerals in Canada." In a General Meeting the awarded Medal, with an appropriate inscription, was bestowed on our esteemed Member,[3] the firmest support of our rising edifice of Science. Your Council can desire no more for the Society than that your future prizes may be as worthily bestowed.

 

With the assistance of the several classes, the Council have drawn up and published a list of prize questions for public competition. The subjects are various, but for the greater part of a local nature, calculated to encourage the production of papers illustrating improvements in our

useful Arts ; the elucidation of several Scientific Topics; and generally on Historical and Literary subjects. Many interesting papers, it is hoped, will be the result of this

measure.

 

A considerable increase of Members has taken place during the present year; the list drawn up for your inspection exhibits the names of fifteen Honorary Members, forty-two Correspondents, and ninety-two Ordinary and Associate Members. The yearly contributions of the last, now amounting to the sum of £187.15, constitute your permanent source of revenue.

 

While on the subject of our Members, let us acknowledge the just reason we have to be thankful for the mercies, vouchsafed to us in our preservation during the second severe visitation of Asiatic Cholera, that mysterious scourge of the Human Race. But yet, we have to deplore from that cause the loss of one of our most zealous and gifted Members. Dr. Lyons was one of your most efficient Officers, having filled the situation of Council Secretary from the date of the junction of the two Societies in 1829. Our fellow-labourer fell, in the prime of life, a sacrifice to his zeal for the relief of suffering humanity. A just tribute to his memory, and acknowledgment of his services to the Society, will be found in the minutes of your General Meetings.

 

One of the professed objects of the Institution, the publication of original papers of its Members, has been interrupted during the past year, owing entirely to the state of the funds being inadequate to meet the necessary expenditure. The Council have now, however, the satisfaction to announce, that this measure has lately had their serious consideration, and that circumstances warrant the immediate printing of another fasciculus of the 3d Volume of Transactions. Arrangements have in consequence been entered into with a publishing establishment in this city for the printing of several of the papers read before you ; all relating in a greater or less degree to Lower Canada. Your volumes of Transactions already before the public, have on several occasions elicited the commendation of the learned abroad ; and have been the means of making known our humble endeavours in the cause of science.

 

During the year now gone past, several very interesting papers have been read at this table, contributing instruction on several topics ; for which you ace indebted to the authors, and will, no doubt, discharge the obligation by exertions of the same description. The papers were respectively by the Rev. Mr. Wilkie on "Moral Sentiments," Dr. Kelly on ." the mean temperature of the earth, comparatively with that of perennial springs at Quebec," Mr. Wilkie " on the study of the Greek Language," Mr. Wilkie " on Lakes and inland waters," Mr. Andrew Stuart " on the ancient practice of chanting poetry," Dr. Kelly " on the Medical Statistics of Canada;" Mr. Wilkie "on the custom of burning Widows in India" Mr. A. Stuart "on the comparative force of Intellect in Man ;" Mr. A. Stuart on the Roman system of Colonization" Mr. George "on the Internal Communications of Canada," and by Dr. Skey and Kelly, " the Analysis of a Mineral Water from Gaspé."

 

From the above detail it is sufficiently obvious that but a very small proportion of our numbers furnished contributions in this' department; but we may hope that these eminent examples will encourage us all to greater and more general exertions of this kind for the future; we are all bound in honour to promote the objects of the Institution according to our opportunities; we are capable and willing, no doubt, to do so, in some shape or other; let us contribute whatever we can in any branch of Literature, Science or. the Arts; and above all never omit to bring to light any authentic document relating to the early history of these Colonies. While your Council are urged, by their zeal for the advancement of the Institution, to make this appeal to your labours and researches they are not without a confidence that it will not be made in vain.

 

A proper explanation is due to you of the causes which, have led to our assembling in this new apartment, and it shall now be offered for your information. The unfortunate accident of the destruction by fire of the Castle of St. Lewis, made it necessary for His Excellency the Governor in Chief to appropriate some of the apartments in this building to his own official use, in consequence of which the Honorable the Executive Council were dispossessed of their room ; It became necessary therefore, in order to accommodate that body, to vacate in its favour the apartment in which the Meetings of the Society have long been held. His Excellency very kindly expressed his regret for the necessity of the measure; and assured the Society that nothing but the urgency of the case would have induced him to put you to inconvenience. The Society was offered the choice of  the vacant rooms in the upper flat, and one has been selected as a place of deposit for apparatus not in use ; but for the Meetings of the Society, the Council judged It more suitable to the convenience and respectability of the Institution, to sacrifice a small outlay of funds for dividing off this portion of the large apartment of the Museum. In the yet limited state of your collections in Natural History the space can well be spared without inconvenience.

 

The Council are here naturally led to the mention of the condition of the Museum. The principal feature in the Curator's Report, (Appendix A.) is the increase of the several departments of Natural History, and of Numismatics; partly by purchase, partly by liberal donations of Members and others taking an interest in the increase of the collections. Among the contributors it would be improper to pass over in silence our scientific Honorary Member,

Capt. Bayfield, R. N., who, with his young brother Officer, Mr. Bowen, have made donations of numerous specimens illustrating the Geological formation of the north coast of

Belle Isle Straits, and of other parts of Canada. To the scientific gentlemen engaged in the Nautical Survey of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, you have had repeated occasions of being under obligation. To the liberality of Dr. Osborne, of Dublin, you are indebted for a collection of dried Plants, collected by him in Europe. Master Henry Russel liberally added to your Museum a stuffed specimen of Rein Deer. William Lampson, Esq. presented that singular South American animal the Sloth. And a numerous collection of Shells has been added to your Cabinet of Conchology, by Mrs. Montizambert.

 

The additions to your collection in Numismatics have been many and valuable : herein you are particularly indebted to the Venerable Archdeacon Mountain; to C. Gothings, Esq. ; to R. S. M. Bouchette, Esq. ; to Charles Campbell, Esq. ; to Mr. Lowndes ; to Mr. Sealon, and to many other Members and well wishers of the Society.

 

During the last year, the Curator reports that the Museum has been increased by the following objects: —In Antiquities 17 articles ; In the Arts 84 ; Gold coin 1; Silver Coins and Medals 26 ; Copper Coins and Medals 90 ; Quadropods 3 ; Birds 51 ; Eggs 7 ; Fish 10 ; Inverebrae 11 ; Corallines ; Shells 123; Geological Specimens 167; Dried Plants 132. These form very valuable additions to your Museum ; a rapid increase and ultimate perfection in this department will not fail to stamp a value on the general usefulness of the Society, TheCouncil therefore thinks it a duty to recommend for your consideration the plan suggested by the Curator, towards arriving at such a desirable end.

 

In the department of Apparatus, the Report of the Curator will inform you of several additions to the Philosophical Instruments and other materials essential to the Lecturer in Chemistry and Natural Philosophy ; some of these being the donation of the Rev. Mr. Wilkie ; but the greater part acquired by purchase in London.

 

Your Library also is undergoing a regular increase as well by purchase, as by the liberality of numerous contributors; (Appendix B.) among these it is proper to record the names of your fellow-member, John Jones, Esq., for his elegant present of a work in quarto, entitled. Encyclopedia Heraldica," and of Captain Wright, R. E, for his valuable gift of Parliamentary Reports on the Bogs of Ireland, in five folio volumes.

 

Nor can the Council pass without particular notice and favourable mention a Literary work, which has given them peculiar gratification, as being the production of a learned Member of the Society, the Rev. Mr. Holmes, of the Quebec Seminary, and as being also, as the Council believe, the first complete work on Geography which has been composed and published in the North American Provinces. The “Geographie Moderne" of that gentleman, was presented by him at the last General Meeting, and the Council are authorised, by a Report of the Class of Literature, to bring the work under your notice as one of uncommon merit, fully entitled to the most favourable reception from all classes inhabiting this portion of the Empire; for the instruction of whose youth the book has been expressly written. This work was reviewed on its publication in a critique that appeared in Neilson's Gazette of the 7th April last, from which, liberty it taken to make the following extract:—

 

"A good system of Geography should present the reader with a complete and correct view of the state of the globe, as far as it is known, and of all its political societies and divisions, at the time when it is drawn up. To fulfil this great object no pains have been spared by the author of the work before us. The minute details that are given respecting the present state of population, of trade, of government, and of recent discoveries, are ample proofs of the diligence and research that have been employed in the compilation.

 

We sincerely congratulate the Province on the publication of such a work, and hope it may prove a prelude to many others which may serve to advance the cause of education, and general intelligence throughout the country. Every man who places a single step in the ladder which facilitates the spread of information, promotes the welfare of his country, and merits the thanks of his contemporaries."

 

The Council fully concur in the praise thus bestowed, and have no doubt that it will be confirmed by the general voice of the community.

 

In connection with the subject of your Library, the Council have to acquaint you, that measures have been taken to obtain participation in the bounty of the Imperial Government so liberally shewn in bestowing upon several of the literary institutions of the United States, copies of the printed Records of the Realm. This valuable work has been applied for on behalf of the Society, through the regular official channels ; and if His Majesty's Government shall be pleased to grant such a boon to the Capital of the North American Provinces, this, the only Chartered Corporation having the promotion of Historical Studies for one of its peculiar objects, would seem the most suitable place of deposit for the work in question.

 

Your Library, now amounting to 500 volumes, comprises many old and rare works of value, principally donations.—The additions by purchase have been generally on subjects of Science, deemed indispensable for the prosecution of such inquiries, as well as to enable us to follow the discoveries of the learned in the Old World. The Council have been withheld, by the limited state of your funds, from incurring any expenditure during the present year, in extending the Historical Department of your Library ; but they have not the less felt the propriety of keeping the object steadily in view, so as gradually to form a complete collection of works relating to the History of this Continent, and more particularly of this and the neighbouring Colonies. A rapid increase of your collection of books on Historical and Scientific subjects, will constitute it a valuable source of reference to the student in the pursuit of knowledge in its various ramifications.

 

The state of your funds now alone remains for the Council to bring under notice. The Treasurer's Accounts have been audited ; found correct and lie on the table for your inspection. The balance in hand you will perceive is small. A considerable but necessary expenditure has taken place during the administration of your Council, in the acquisition of a Corporation Seal, and other articles procured in London, already attained to, which, with for salaries, specimen cases, and other unavoidable items, has absorbed the greater part of the last year's Income.— The Council impressed with a due sense of the need of economy in the management of your funds, have steadily forborne making expenditures except in cases of urgency.

 

Such, Gentlemen, is the present condition of the Literary and Historical Society; and such have been the labours of your Council during the last year, in the endeavour to maintain its ground among the Scientific and Literary Institutions of these Provinces. Many are the thorns and briers found strewed in the way to arrest the progress of Science in these ungenial and hyperborean regions, with an active population, devoted of necessity to business one half the year, and during the other half more generally seeking recreation from toil in ordinary amusements than in Literature or Science. So circumstanced we must necessarily make slow advances in scientific acquirements. But while we hope for a more favourable state of things, it is our duty to persevere in a straight forward course towards attaining the Society's objects ; inviting the co-operation of all our fellow-subjects, of whatever origin or language. Within these walls there exists no feeling of an exclusive nature ; party distinctions are unknown ; political and religious feuds cease on crossing the threshold. We solicit a union of efforts in the cause of Science, which would lead us, no doubt, towards a speedy attainment of an equality of rank with the learned Institutions abroad. But, let us not despair; who will venture to say that this Institution may not be the nucleus of a future “Académie des Sciences" of a "Royal Society" of the New World. We have but to keep constantly in view the accomplishment of the sentiment adopted for our Motto, as one day possible ; and our more youthful fellow-labourers may yet have the satisfaction to behold the Society “burst into light”

APPENDIX A.

REPORT OP THE CURATOR Of THE MUSEUM.

 

The Curator of the Museum has the satisfaction to state, that the prosperity of this department continues to increase.

During this year, numerous donations, many of them of considerable value, have been made by Members of the Society and others who take an interest in its advancement. The total number of specimen thus procured, amounting to about 600, have been arranged and classed under their respective heads, and severally entered into catalogues under such systems as appeared best adapted to the infant state of the Cabinet; and are now available to the Members, subject only to the necessary restrictions imposed by the By-Laws.

 

DONATIONS

To the

CABINET

Of the

LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

 

From January 1834 to January 1835:—

 

I) Antiquities,

 

An Antique Clock, C. Campell, Esq.

A very old Glass Bottle, rendered opalescent by fire, Mr. Hossack.

Five notes of the Old British Colonies, A. Campbell, Esq.

Two notes of the Old British Colonies, C. Gethings, Esq.

Indian relics—consisting of a Calumet, Battle Club of bone, Iron Axe, Steel Knife, made from an old sword, Wampum and Arrow Head, all very perfect, found in the grave of an Indian at Port-au- Saumon, George Duberger, Esq.

A Roman Brick, from Earls Coine Priory, Colchester, England, Venerable Archdeacon Mountain.

Stucco painted la fresco, from the baths of Li via at Rome, R. S. M. Bouchette, Esq.

 

II) Arts,

 

80 Plaster Casts, (Medallions) Mr. W. Lowndes.

3 Specimens of the Diamond Rock Cement, Lt. Baddeley, R. E., (the Inventor,)

A Medallion formed by the Calcareous Waters at the baths of San Filippo, near. Radicofani, Italy, R. Bouchette, Esq.

 

III) Animals (Vertebrate)

 

Mammalia,

The Skull of a Black Bear, (Ursus Americanus) H. D. Sewell, Esq.

A Three toed Sloth, (Bradypus Tridactylus) Mr. Lampson.

A Caribou, (Cervus Tarandus) Master H. Russell.

 

Birds,

The Wings of an Albatross, (Diomeden Exulans,) Mr. Lampson.

7 Eggs of the Puffin, (Alca Labradoria,) Mr. Bowen, R. N.

 

Fish,

Jaws of a Shark, (Squalus Carcharias,) Master Holt.

Saw of a Thresher Shark, (Squalus Pristis,) J, D. McConnell, Esq. of Gaspé.

Hippocampus of the Indian Seas, (H. Tetragonus,) Mr. Smith, Garrison Library.

A Sea Hedgehog, (Orbis Ecbinatus,) Mr. G. Arnold.

A Flying Fish, (Exocoetus Exilliens,) Mr. G. Arnold.

Two pair of the Jaws of Sea Fish, Mr. G. Arnold,

Three Fish, preferred in Spirits, Mr. G. Arnold

 

IV) Animals (Invertebrate)

 

Sea Centipede, (Lyeoris,) Charles Campbell, Esq.

Two Scorpions, (Scorpio,)  Mr. G. Arnold,

Four Centipedes, (Scolopendre Morsitans,) Mr. G. Arnold,

Two Centipedes, (Scolopendre Morsitans,) Master Chs. Holt,

Two Centipedes, (Scolopendre Morsitans,) T. Tucker, Esq.

 

V) Botany.

 

A case of European dried plants, Dr. Osborne, T. C. D.

 

VI) Coins (Gold.)

 

An "Unite" of the reign of James I, (rare) Venerable Archdeacon Mountain.

 

Coins, (Silver.)

Three coins, one being a small coin of James II, A. D. 1695, C. Campbell, Esq.

Four coins, A Member,

Two coins, Mr. R. Symes,

A large and rare coin of Oliver Cromwell, A. D. 1658, and four smaller coins, R. Bouchette, Esq.

A coin of Charles II, Honorable A. W. Cochran,

Two coins, Master, H. Russell,

A Roman coin of Hadrianus, Mr. J, Jamieson,.

A Colonial coin of Massachusetts, A. D. 1652, and a large coin of Rudolph, A.. D. 1608, W. S. Sewell, Esq.

A medal of Louis XVI, and five coins, C. Gethings, Esq.

A small coin of Louis XIV, A. Campbell, Esq.

A Waterloo medal, Mr. Lowndes,

A Coronation medal of George III, Lieut. Baddeley, R, E.

 

Coins, (Copper.)

Three coins, Mr. F. Brown,

Eight coins, A Member,

A Liard of Louis XV, E. Baird, Esq.

A coin of Charles II, Mr. Badenoch,

Three coins, C Campbell, Esq.

Thirty-seven coins, English and Foreign, R. Bouchette, Esq.

Five coins, Mr. J. Seaton,

A coin of Maximanus, and a sous of Louis XV, Honorable A.W.Cochran.          

A coin of Antoninus Pius, an Oriental coin, two medals, and a local coin, Venerable Archdeacon Mountain,

A farthing of Chales II, and one of William and Mary, Mr. J. Jamieson.

A halfpenny of James II, Mr. Blalklock,

A coin of the Roman Empire, C. Campbell, Esq.

A Danish coin, Mr. Aug. Sewell,

A Coronation medal of William IV. and Adelaide, six English, one Irish and two Foreign coins, C.Gethlngs, Esq.

A Liard of Louis XIV, Mr. R. Symes,

A small coin of Charles II, Mr. Aug Sewell,

A sous of Louis XVI, A D. 1778, Mr. R. Symes,

A penny piece of George III, Lt. Baddeley, R. E.

A Liard of Louis XV, A. D. 1751, Lt. Baddeley, R. E.,

A Birmingham Medal, A. D. 1808, Lt. Baddeley, R. E.,

Four very ancient coins, dug up from a tomb at Samo, Lt. Gordon, R. E.

 

VII. Conchology.

 

One hundred and twenty-three specimens of foreign shells, (a very valuable donation,) Mrs. Montizambert.

 

VIII. Geology

 

Fifty specimens from the Straits of Belle-Isle and the Island of Newfoundland ; illustrative of the Geology of those districts, Capt. Bayfield, R. N.

Thirty specimens from the Straits of Belle-Isle and the Island of Newfoundland, Mr. Bowen, R. N.

Fifty-seven specimens, illustrative of the Geology of the district of Gaspé, Lt. Baddeley, R. E. A specimen of Bog Iron-ore, U. C. Mr. Millar,

Plumbago, found in situ, 16 miles N. W. of Quebec, Mr. Phillips,

Two specimens of Talcose Slate, one of them burnt, from the mountains of Vermont, Mr. R. Symes,

Ten specimens of organic remains from the valley of the Clyde, R. Gairdner, Esq.)

Sand from the Red Sea, Honorable A.W. Cochran.       

Three Echini from the chalk formation at Dover, England, Mr. Lowndes,

A Fossil Crab, from the Isle of Sheppey, Mr. Lowndes,

Eight Fossil Shells, same locality, Mr. Lowndes,

Three specimens of Fossil fruit, same locality, Mr. Lowndes,

 

IX. Zoophytes

 

Oculina Virginea, Mrs. Sheppard of Woodfield,

Pocillopora Damicornis, Mrs. Sheppard of Woodfield,

Madrepora Palmata, Mrs. Sheppard of Woodfield

Meandrina Cerebreformis, Mrs. Sheppard of Woodfield,

 

In addition to the above numerous and valuable donations, the Cabinet of the Society has been further enriched by the purchase of Fifty specimens of stuffed Birds, which are now being classed and arranged.

 

This particular branch of Natural History has only during the past year come under the special notice of the Society, and the Cabinet of stuffed specimens is consequently exceedingly small. The very contracted state of the funds, and the great expense incurred by the purchase of specimens for stuffing, will render it years before this department can be completed or even become useful for reference ; but this expense might be materially reduced, if not totally saved to to the Society, if those among its Members, who have the opportunity, would occasionally supply such specimens as might fall in their way, either in following their sport or otherwise. Such donations would prove of great value to the Society, at the same time that they would entail neither expense nor trouble upon the donor. A little cotton wool stuffed into the mouth of the specimen, and the precaution of placing it in a clean pocket, to preserve the feathers from being soiled, is all the care or trouble that is requisite. Those who feel disposed to go further might strip off the skin, and anoint it with the preparation called ''Arsenical Soap''[4] used to prevent decay and attacks of insects.— Skins thus prepared may be sent any distance and preserved any length of time, and being flat take up little or no room in packing. By these means the Society would be supplied with specimens, not only from the immediate vicinity of Quebec, but from the most remote districts visited by their Members. The Corresponding Members of the Society might contribute materially to the increase of the Museum in this way.

 

In the same manner Quadrupeds, Fish, Reptiles and Insects might be supplied. It should be remembered that no object in Natural History, however it may appear to those not-interested in the study, is in reality insignificant or useless. All have their uses in Art as in Nature. Any

and every donation will prove of use, and all will be thankfully received.

 

HENRY D. SEWELL, M. A.

Curator of Museum.

Society's Rooms,

January 6, 1835

 

APPENDIX B.

 

In pursuance of a Resolution of the Council, that the Librarian be requested to furnish a Report of the increase of the Library for the year about to expire, and the state of the same at the present time, annexing the names of donors of books, it is submitted, as follows :—

 

That within the last year a correct catalogue of the books belonging to the Library has been prepared, from which it appears that the Society is now in possession of many valuable works upon different branches of Literature, Science and History, amounting in number to about five hundred and sixty volumes.

 

That the Society is much indebted to many individuals, Members of this Society and others, for the liberality they have displayed in making donations of very valuable works, as.will appear from the following catalogue :—

 

Baron Masere's Acts relating to Quebec, by N. Gould, Esq. of London,

Travels of several Jesuits in the Archipelago, India, China and America, by the same,

The Gipsies' Advocate, by the same,

Secret Instructions of His Majesty George II. to General Wolfe, concerning the expedition against Quebec, by the same,      

A printed memorial on the Timber Trade, by James George,Esquire,

Communications relating to the Red River settlement, printed by order of the House o Commons, by Dr. Morin,

Vita recta ad vitam longam, by Dr. Venner, by T. Amiot, Esquire,

A Meteorological Journal, kept on Cape Diamond, of the month of February, 1834, by Mr. J. Watt, Four reports on the nature and extent of the bogs of

Ireland, with numerous maps, printed by order of the

House of Commons, by Captn Wright, R. E. Vol. 1st* and part 1st of vol. 9 of the Transactions of Literature of the Royal Society of Literature, London, by the Royal Society of Literature,

Two Meteorological reports for March and April, 1834, by Mr. J. Watt,

A copy of a Diary of the weather kept at Blinkbonny Garden, in 1880,30,31,89 and 33, by R. Cleghora of Montreal,

The Acts of the Imperial Parliament, George II, e. J14, regulating the vaults, drains, Sec. of the City of London, by Mr. Lowndes,

Coplas de Don Jorge Manrique, translated from the Spanish, with an Introductory essay on the moral and devotional poetry of Spain, and Outre Mer, a pilgrimage beyond sea, by Professor Longfellow, Bowdoin College,

The Penny Magazine; 2 vols. 4to, by R. Syrmes, Esquire,

Monody on Major André -Copies of twelve intercepted letters to Napoleon; Essai Historique et Critique sur la Marine de France, by Mr. Aug. Sewell,

Meteorological Journal for June, by Mr. Watt,

A Lithographic Engraving of Trajan's pillar at Rome, by Mr. Seaton,

Meteorological Journal for July and August, by' Mr. Watt,

The same for September, by the same,

A Turkish Manuscript, by T. Amiot, Esquire,

Vansittart's transactions in Bengal, A. Campbell, Esq.

5th vol. of the Transactions of the Association of Fellows and Licentiates of King and Queen's College of Physicians; Ireland, by Dr. Osborne, of Dublin,

13th volume part 2 of the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Royal Society of Edinburgh,

Colden's History of the Five Nations, by W.S. Sewell,Esq.

That independent of these donations further additions have been made to the Library by the purchase of the following works :—

Encyclopaedia Britannica, vol. 7, part 2; vols. 8, parts 1, 2 ; vol. 9, part 1.

Prodromus Syttematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis auctore Aug. Pyramo-de Candolle.

The Bridgewater Treatises, with the exception of those on Geology and Mineralogy by the Reverend W. Buck land, and on the history, habits and instincts of animals by the

Rev. Wm. Kirby.

A catalogue of books relating to America:— The Philosophical Magazine for 1831, 1832,1833.

That the following works are now missing from the Library, a circumstance much to be regretted, particularly as no traces of them can be discovered after advertizements for that purpose inserted in the Public Newspapers:—

Father Hennepin's new discovery of a vast country in America,

Transactions of the Society of Arts,

Address to the Astronomical Society of London,

Picture of Quebec by Bourne,

Laws of the State of New York,

Mawe's Catalogue of Minerals,

Report of Commissioners for exploring the country between the St. Maurice and Ottawa,

Marshal on Vaccination,

Work on Intestinal Worms,

Museum 8th and 15th vols.

Maculloch on Wells,

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2d No. of 1st vol.

That upon the whole, however, the Library is in an improving condition, and from the arrangements lately made by the erection of shelves and otherwise, there is every reason to expect that the preservation of the books and papers will be secured.

 

G. O. STUART,

Librarian.

Quebec. 31st December, 1834.