[40] Page 20.—Dr. Louis Fréchette's poems are admitted to be the most finished illustrations of French poetic art yet produced in the Dominion; and one who reads them can easily understand that "Les Fleurs Boréales" and "Les Oiseaux de Neige" (now in the third edition, Montreal) should have been crowned by the French Academy in 1880, and that he should have been accorded the Monthyon prize as a matter of course. His other volumes of poems are these: "Mes Loisirs," Quebec, 1863; "La Voix d'un Exilé," Quebec, 1869; "Pêle-Mêle," Montreal, 1877; "Les Oubliés" and "Voix d'Outre-Mer," Montreal, 1886; and "Feuilles Volantes," Montreal, 1891. His poem on the discovery of the Mississippi is probably his best sustained effort on the whole. A number of his poems have appeared in the 'Trans. Roy. Soc. Can.,' vols. i., ii., iii., iv. He has published some dramas and comedies (see 'Am. Cyclopædia of Biography,' vol. ii., p. 539), which have not been as successful as his purely poetic essays. He has also written several essays of merit in 'Harper's Monthly' and other periodicals of the day, as well as in the 'Trans. Roy. Soc. Can.'
The following is an extract from his poem on "La Découverte du Mississippi":
Mr. Pamphile LeMay, one of the best known French Canadian poets, has published the following: "Essais Poétiques," Quebec, 1865; "La Découverte du Canada," Quebec, 1867; "Poèmes Couronnés," Quebec, 1870; "Les Vengeances," Quebec, 1875, 1876 and 1888 (also dramatized); "Une Gerbe," Quebec, 1879. He has also written "Fables Canadiennes," Quebec, 1882. A number of his poems have appeared in the 'Trans. Roy. Soc. Can.,' vols i., iii., v., vi., ix. He has also written several stories of Canadian life: "L'Affaire Sougraine," Quebec, 1884; "Le Pèlerin de Sainte-Anne," new ed., Montreal, 1893; and "Rouge et Bleu," comedy. One of his best works was a translation of Longfellow's "Evangeline."
The following is a list of other Canadian books of poems, of varying merit, which have appeared within a quarter of a century:
"The Songs of a Wanderer." By Carroll Ryan. Ottawa, 1867. Indicated much poetic taste, but the poet has been submerged in the busy journalist.
"Songs of Life." By Rev. E. H. Dewart. Toronto, 1867. He was author of the first collection of Canadian poems made in this country. See infra.
"The Prophecy of Merlin and other Poems." By John Reade. Montreal, 1870. In many respects the best sustained poems written by a Canadian can be read in this book.
"Les Laurentiennes." By Benjamin Sulte. Montreal, 1870.
"Les Chants Nouveaux." By the same. Ottawa, 1880.
"The Legend of the Rose." By Samuel J. Watson. Toronto, 1876. Mr. Watson was a writer of promise who died in the maturity of his power.
"The Feast of St. Anne, and other Poems." By P. S. Hamilton. Montreal, 1878; 2nd ed. 1890. Has some interest from its description of the ceremonies at the feast of Sainte-Anne du Canada—the tutelary saint of the Canadian aborigines—which is held by the Micmacs on the 26th day of July in each year on Chapel Island, in the beautiful Bras d'Or Lake of Cape Breton. See Bourinot's "Cape Breton."
"Waifs in Verse." (Ottawa, ed. in 1878, 1887 and 1891.) By G. W. Wicksteed, Q.C., for fifty years the able law clerk of the Canadian Commons.
"A Collection of Poems." By Miss Williams of Grenville, P.Q., 1879.
"The Coming of the Princess, and Other Poems." By Kate Seymour Maclean of Kingston. 1880.
"Lyrics, Songs and Sonnets." By A. H. Chandler and C. Pelham Mulvany. Toronto, 1880.
"The Times, and Other Poems." By J. R. Newell of Woodstock. 1880.
"The Consolation." By George Gerrard. Montreal, 1880.
"Poems of the Heart and Home." By Mrs. J. C. Yule. Toronto, 1880.
"Poems, Songs and Odes." By Archibald McAlpine Taylor. Toronto, 1881.
"The New Song, and Other Poems." By Mrs. W. H. Clarke. Toronto, 1883.
"Zenobia. A Poem in Rhymed Heroics." By Rev. Æ. McD. Dawson, F.R.S.C. 1883.
"The Mission of Love, and Other Poems." By Caris Sima. 1883.
"Lorenzo, and Other Poems." By J. R. Pollock of Keswick, Ont. 1883.
"Caprices Poétiques et Chansons Satiriques." Par Rémi Tremblay. Montréal, 1883.
"Les Echos." Par J. B. Routhier. Québec, 1883, 12mo. Judge Routhier is a member of the Royal Society of Canada, in whose 'Trans.' (vol. iv., Sec. I.) appeared "Lettre d'un Volontaire du 9ieme Voltigeurs campé à Calgary." His literary reputation stands high among his countrymen.
"Old Spookse's Pass, and Other Poems." By Isabella Valancy Crawford. Toronto, 1884.
"Marguerite, and Other Poems." By George Martin. 1886.
"Laura Secord: a Ballad of 1812." By Mrs. Curzon. Toronto, 1886.
"Songs, Sonnets and Miscellaneous Poems." By J. Imrie. Toronto, 1886.
"Dreamland, and Other Poems" (Ottawa, 1868), and "Tecumseh: a Drama" (Toronto and London, 1886). By Charles Mair, a poet of original talent, and descriptive power, who is now a resident of the North-west Territories.
"Orion, and Other Poems" (Philadelphia, 1880), and "In Divers Tones" (Montreal, 1887). By Prof. C. G. D. Roberts, who is the best known abroad of all Canadian poets, and represents that Canadian or national spirit which has been slowly rising from the birth of Confederation. Since the days of Crémazie—over thirty years ago—there are other poets who recognize the existence of a Canadian people in a large sense—a Canadian people of two races, born and educated in the country, and having common aspirations for a united, not an isolated, future. Prof. Roberts is now bringing out a new volume of poems in London.
The poetic taste of the Archbishop of Halifax, the Most Rev. C. O'Brien, F.R.S.C., is well illustrated in the following volume: "Aminta: a Modern Life Drama," New York, 1890. The Archbishop is also the author of a novel, "After Weary Years," (Baltimore and New York, 1885), the scenes of which are laid in Rome and Canada, and are described with much power of invention and fervour. As the author himself says, "historic places and events are accurately described." He has, it will be seen from his preface, great confidence in the future national greatness of the Dominion.
"A Gate of Flowers." By T. O'Hagan. Toronto, 1887. He has another volume in press.
"The Masque of Minstrels, and Other Pieces, chiefly in verse." By B. W. and A. J. Lockhart. Bangor, Me., 1887. These two brothers are Nova Scotians by birth and education, who lived their youth in the land of Evangeline. The Gaspéreaux and Grand Pré are naturally the constant theme of their pleasing verse.
"Among the Millet, and Other Poems." By Archibald Lampman. Ottawa, 1888. Some of Mr. Lampman's most finished sonnets have appeared in the best American periodicals, to which he is still a frequent contributor; his work shows the true poetic instinct. He holds a position in the Civil Service at Ottawa.
"The Water Lily. An Oriental Fairy Tale." By Frank Waters. Ottawa, 1888.
"De Roberval: a Drama. Also the Emigration of the Fairies, and the Triumph of Constancy: a Romaunt." By John Hunter Duvar. St. John, N.B., 1888. Mr. Duvar, who has fine literary tastes, has been a resident of Prince Edward Island for some years.
"The Epic of the Dawn, and Other Poems." By Nicholas Flood Davin. Regina, N.W.T., 1889. Mr. Davin is the clever "Irishman in Canada," and while the most pretentious of his poems in this little book were written across the ocean, others are the product of Canadian thought and sentiment.
"Lake Lyrics, and Other Poems." By W. Wilfred Campbell. St. John, N.B., 1889. Mr. Campbell, who was originally a clergyman of the Church of England, is now in the public service at Ottawa, and has written some of his best poems for American magazines. One on "The Mother," in 'Harper's Monthly' is full of poetic thought and deep pathos, and should be better known by Canadians than it appears to be. At this time of writing his new volume of poems entitled "The Dread Voyage" (Toronto, 1893), has appeared; it sustains his reputation, though one can hardly encourage his effort to imitate Tennyson in such poems as "Sir Lancelot." Canadian poets too frequently are imitative rather than original. Mr. Campbell's verses on the varied scenery of the lakes of the West show the artistic temperament.
For instance:
ON THE LEDGE.
"Pine, Rose and Fleur-de-Lis." By S. Frances Harrison ("Seranus"). Toronto, 1891.
"Songs, Lyrical and Dramatic." By John Henry Brown. Ottawa, 1892, 12mo. The New York 'Nation' truly says of this new poetic aspirant that he has Walt Whitman's tendencies, but nevertheless he "writes in a generous spirit, and may yet have thoughts and expression all his own." The fact is, I repeat, most Canadian poets are too imitative and too rarely original.
"Tendres Choses. Poésies Canadiennes." By Dr. R. Chevrier. Montreal, 1892, 12mo. That an author unknown to fame should give us his portrait, as in this case, is perplexing. Still the verse is frequently melodious, though it represents what is a feature of French poetry, melodious rhythm, rather than strength and thought.
"This Canada of Ours, and Other Poems." By J. D. Edgar, M.P., Toronto, 1893. This little volume contains "The White Stone Canoe: a Legend of the Ottawas," which had been published in separate form some years previously. His French and Latin translations are full of taste.
"Les Perce-Neige, premières poésies." By Napoléon Legendre. Montreal, 12mo. He is a member of the Royal Society of Canada, and constant contributor (generally in prose) to its 'Transactions.'
"Mes Rimes." By Elzéar Labelle. Montreal, 1886, 8vo.
Selections of Canadian poems have appeared of recent years in the following publications:
1. "Selections from Canadian Poets: with occasional critical and biographical notes and an introductory essay on Canadian poetry." By the Rev. E. H. Dewart. Montreal, 1864, 8vo.
2. "Songs of the Great Dominion: Voices from the Forests and Waters, the Settlements and Cities of Canada." Selected and edited by W. D. Lighthall, M.A., of Montreal. London, 1889, 12mo.
3. "Younger American Poets, 1830–1890." Edited by Douglas Sladen, B.A., Oxon. With an Appendix of Younger Canadian Poets. Edited by G. B. Roberts of St. John, N.B. New York, 1891, 12mo.
4. "Later Canadian Poems." Edited by J. E. Wetherell, B.A. Toronto, 1893.
In the first mentioned work, which is judiciously edited, the poets until 1864 obtain a place. In the three other books we have selections from John Reade, Geo. Frederick Cameron, Prof. Roberts, Bliss Carman (now a resident of the United States), A. H. Chandler, Isabella Valancy Crawford, Mrs. Leprohon, Hereward K. Cockin, John Hunter Duvar, Rev. A. W. H. Eaton, Louis Fréchette, James Hannay, Sophie M. Hensley, Charles Sangster, M. Richey Knight, Archibald Lampman, W. D. Lighthall, A. J. Lockhart, B. W. Lockhart, Agnes Maude Machar ("Fidelis"), W. McLennan, Charles Mair, Mary Morgan ("Gowan Lea"), Charles P. Mulvany, Rev. F. G. Scott, Philip Stewart, H. R. A. Pocock, Barry Stratton, A. Weir, Mary Barry Smith, John T. Lespérance ("Laclède"), W. Wye Smith, Ethelwyn Wetherald, John E. Logan ("Barry Dane"), George Martin, Mrs. Harrison ("Seranus"), D. Campbell Scott, James D. Edgar, E. Pauline Johnson, George Murray, William Kirby, Annie Rothwell, W. A. Sherwood, Isidore G. Ascher, P. J. O. Chauveau, B. Sulte, P. LeMay, and others. I enumerate these names to show how many Canadians have ventured upon the field of poesy despite the practical realities of life in this relatively new country. The selections in the second of these works would have been more valuable had they contained "Our Fathers" by Joseph Howe—the most spirited poem in some respects ever written by a native Canadian. To the names of poetic aspirants, too, must be added those of M. J. Katzmann and of M. J. Griffin, whose fugitive pieces have attracted notice. Mr. Griffin has fine literary tastes and his few poems, only the relaxation of leisure hours, show he might win fame in this delightful department of letters. The reader will obtain some idea of the standard of Canadian poetry by reading the selections, and should not be carried away by the too obvious enthusiasm that has at times stifled the critical faculty in the editors. The poetic genius of Canadians is to be stimulated, not by sentimental gush, but by a judicious criticism that is not sufficiently cultivated by our writers who review the efforts of our poets, historians and essayists. These remarks also apply to such articles as that by the late Mr. Lespérance on "The Poets of Canada" in 'Trans. Roy. Soc. Can.,' vol. ii., Sec. II.
Mr. Evan McColl, F.R.S.C., is the Gaelic poet of Canada. Three editions have appeared of the "Clàrsach nam Beann," which was printed as far back as 1838 in Glasgow. The same was also published in English in the same year, under the title of "The Mountain Minstrel," of which six editions have been printed. In 1883 he published in Toronto "Poems and Songs chiefly written in Canada." Mr. McColl is a great favourite among his Scotch countrymen everywhere; but his decidedly original poetic genius, rude and wild as it is at times, is not a Canadian product, for he was born at Kenmore, Lochfyne-Side, Scotland, in 1808, and it was not until he was forty years of age that he made Canada his home. He is now a resident of Toronto, and still comes to the annual meetings of the Royal Society, of which he was one of the original members.
[41] Page 21.—"IN MY HEART." By John Reade.
LAURA SECORD'S WARNING.
[41a] Page 24.—In Mrs. Edgar's excellent annotations to the Ridout Letters in "Ten Years of Upper Canada in Peace and War, 1805–1815," (Toronto, 1890), appears the following account of a courageous woman's exploit which brought disaster to the Americans soon after their defeat at Stoney Creek:
"At a place called Beaver Dams, or Beechwoods, (about twelve miles in a direct road from Queenstown), where is now the town of Thorold, was a depot for provisions for the Canadian troops, guarded by a detachment of thirty of the 49th regiment under Lieutenant Fitzgibbon with some Indians and militia, in all about 200 men. In order to surprise and dislodge this outpost, an American force of 500 men, with fifty cavalry and two field-pieces, under Colonel Boerstler, set out from Fort George (Niagara) on the 23rd of June [1813]. A surprise was meditated, in retaliation, no doubt, for the affair of Stoney Creek. Laura Secord, wife of a Canadian farmer, who had been wounded in the battle of Queenstown Heights, accidentally heard of the designs of the Americans, and determined to give the outpost timely warning. She set out alone before day-break, on the 23rd June, from her house at Queenstown, and arrived at Fitzgibbon's headquarters, a stone house known as DeCew's, near the Beaver Dams, at sunset of the same day. On account of the American sentries and outposts, she had to avoid the high roads and beaten paths, thus making her toilsome journey nearly twice as long. In spite of weakness and fatigue, this heroic woman went on her way through pathless woods, over hill and dale and unbridged streams, till she reached her destination. Her warning came just in time. Lieutenant Fitzgibbon disposed of his little force to the best advantage possible, placing them in ambush on both sides of the road, and taking every precaution to make it appear that he had a large force in reserve. Between eight and nine in the morning of the 24th June, the advance guard of the American riflemen appeared. A volley from the woods received them and emptied their saddles. Soon firing came from all directions, and bugle calls, and Indian yells. The bewildered Americans imagined themselves in the presence of a much superior force. Finding that his men were losing heavily from the fire of the unseen foe, and that they were suffering from fatigue and heat, he consented to surrender. By the capitulation 542 men, 2 field-pieces, some ammunition waggons, and the colours of the 14th U.S. regiment were delivered over to the Canadians. For this brilliant achievement Lieutenant Fitzgibbon [afterwards a military knight of Windsor] received his Company and a Captain's commission. As to Laura Secord, her reward has come to her in fame. The heroine lived until the year 1868, and sleeps now in that old cemetery at Drummondville, where lie so many of our brave soldiers. There is no 'Decoration Day' in Canada, but if there were, surely this woman is entitled to the laurel wreath." Pp. 198–201.
AUSTRALIAN POETS AND NOVELISTS.
[42] Page 25.—The Canadian reader can profitably and easily compare his own poets with those of Australia by reading Slade's "Australian Poets, 1788–1883, being a selection of poems upon all subjects written in Australia and New Zealand during the first century of the British colonization, with brief notes on their authors, etc." (London and Sydney, 1889.) It will be seen, however, that nearly all the so-called "Australian" poets are English born, while with one or two exceptions, those of Canada best known to fame are the product of Canadian life and thought. Henry Clarence Kendall, "the poet of New South Wales," was born at Ulladulla, on the coast of that colony, in 1842. He is the one Australian poet of reputation, except his forerunner, Charles Harpur, who was actually born under the Southern Cross. Kendall's verses on "Coogee," a striking natural feature of Australian scenery, show true poetic instinct and rhythmical ease:
But among the many spirited poems written in Australia since its settlement not one can equal the "Sick Stock-rider," by Adam Lindsay Gordon, who came to South Australia in his early manhood, and attempted sheep-farming, with the result of "owning nothing but a love for horsemanship and a head full of Browning and Shelley." This is a quotation from an introduction to his book by Marcus Clarke, himself a novelist and poet. One can see in the mind's eye the scenes described in the following verses, so full of real life and genuine poetry:
The best known novels of Australian life are these: "For the Term of His Natural Life," by Marcus Clarke, who was an Englishman born and educated; "The Miner's Right," "The Squatter's Dream," "A Colonial Reformer," and "Robbery Under Arms," by Thomas A. Browne ("Rolf Boldrewood"), who was also English born: "Uncle Piper of Piper's Hill," by Madame Couvreur ("Tasma"), who is of Belgian descent, and is now a resident of Belgium, though she was born in Australia and there studied its social conditions; "The Australian Girl" and "A Silent Sea," by Mrs. Alick McLeod. Mrs. Campbell Praed, who is colonial born, has, in addition to several novels, written "Australian Life," which is described by Sir Charles Dilke ("Problems of Greater Britain," i., 374) as "a vivid autobiographical picture of the early days of Queensland." Copies of these and other Australian books the writer owes to the thoughtfulness of Chief Justice Way, D.C.L., Oxon., of Adelaide, South Australia. For many years he has been the recipient of these graceful attentions from friends in that fair land of the Southern Cross, and though it looks very much as if he will never meet some of them face to face—for the time is passing rapidly with us all—he takes this opportunity of now sending them his thanks across the seas.
HOWE'S "FLAG OF OLD ENGLAND."
[43] Page 26.—This spirited song was written for the one hundredth anniversary of the landing of Lord Cornwallis at Halifax. As many persons in old Canada do not know it—for it is not reproduced in recent collections of Canadian poems—I give it in full for the benefit of the youth of this Dominion, on whom the future destiny of the country depends:
ESSAYISTS.
[44] Page 27.—The principal contributors to the English and American periodical press of late years have been George Stewart of Quebec, Principal Grant, J. G. Bourinot, Martin J. Griffin, W. D. LeSueur, G. M. Dawson, S. E. Dawson, Arnold Haultain, John Reade, J. M. Oxley and Sir W. Dawson. Dr. Stewart of Quebec, despite the demands of journalism, has been always a most earnest literary worker, foremost by his own contributions and by his efforts to encourage the labours of others in the too indifferent little Canadian world. Goldwin Smith has always been a contributor of note, but he is rather an English than a Canadian writer. Among the names of the French Canadian general writers are those of Fréchette, Sulte, Marmette, Faucher de Saint-Maurice, J. Tassé, DeCelles, Dionne, Casgrain and LeMoine; but their efforts have been confined as a rule to the numerous French Canadian periodicals which have appeared for the last thirty years, and after a short career died for want of adequate support. In the numerous periodicals of England and the United States English Canadian writers have great advantages over French Canadians, who are practically limited to their own country, since France offers few opportunities for such literary work.
WILLIAM KIRBY'S WORKS AND OTHER ROMANCES BY CANADIANS.
[45] Page 27.—"The Golden Dog: a Legend of Quebec." New York and Montreal, 1877, 8vo. Also translated by Pamphile LeMay, the French Canadian poet, Montreal, 1884. Mr. Kirby is also the author of several poems of merit: "The U. E.: a Tale of Upper Canada. A Poem in XII. Cantos." Niagara, 1859, 12mo. "Canadian Idylls," Toronto, 1878, etc. He was born in England in 1817, but came to Canada at the early age of fifteen. He was one of the original members of the Royal Society of Canada.
Mr. Lespérance, F.R.S.C., was the author of the "Bastonnais" and other historical romances of some ability, but not of that high order of merit which gives a permanent reputation. The Hon. L. Seth Huntington, long known in Canadian political life, was the author of a semi-political novel, "Professor Conant" (Toronto, 1884), which had its merits, but it fell practically still-born from the press. Many other efforts have been made in the same branch of literature, but the performance, as stated in the text, has not been equal to the ambition that prompted the experiment.
MAJOR RICHARDSON.
[45a] Page 27.—Major Richardson was born at Niagara Falls in 1797, and educated at Amherstburg, U.C., where some of the scenes of "Wacousta" are laid. He served in the war of 1812, in the West Indies and in Spain, where he belonged to the British legion. He came back to Canada in 1838, and was for years connected with the press. He wrote a number of novels and short histories of Canadian events, but they are now all forgotten. His historical narrative is not generally trustworthy, while his later romances never even came up to the merit of "Wacousta." He died in obscurity some time after 1854—I cannot find the exact year—in the United States, where he attempted to continue a career of literature.
MARMETTE.
[46] Page 27.—Mr. Joseph Marmette, F.R.S.C., is the author of several works of fiction, viz.:
"François de Bienville. Roman historique." 1ere ed., Québec, 1870; 2e ed., Montréal, 1882.
"L'Intendant Bigot. Roman historique." Montréal, 1872.
"Le Chevalier de Mornac. Roman historique." Montréal, 1873.
"La Fiancée du Rebelle. Roman historique." Published in 'La Revue Canadienne,' Montreal, 1875.
DE GASPÉ'S WORKS.
[47] Page 27.—"Les Anciens Canadiens." By Philippe Aubert de Gaspé. Quebec, 1863, 8vo.
Several translations have appeared since 1863. That by Prof. Roberts (New York, Appleton & Co., 1890) omits the notes and addenda, which, if not interesting to the general reader, have much value for the historical student. Sulte's "Histoire des Canadiens," vol. vi., contains a portrait of the old French Canadian novelist. He also wrote "Mémoires" (Ottawa, 1886, 8vo.), which have also much historic value on account of their fidelity and simplicity of narrative.
MRS. CATHERWOOD.
[48] Page 28.—Mrs. Mary Hartwell Catherwood, whose home is in Hoopeston, Ill., has so far written and published the following admirable romances of the old days of New France and Acadie:
"The Romance of Dollard." Illustrated. New York, 1889, 12mo.
"The Story of Tonty." Illustrated. Chicago, 1890, 16mo.
"The Lady of Fort St. John." Boston and New York, 1891, 16mo.
"Old Kaskaskia: An Historical Novel of Early Illinois." Boston and New York, 1893, 16mo.
She has now commenced in 'The Century' Magazine a new romance with the title, "The White Islander," a story of old Fort Michillimackinac, and in 'The Atlantic Monthly' another story, "The Chase of Saint Castin." Her romances are never long, but bear the impress of close study of the subject and of much careful writing.
GILBERT PARKER.
[49] Page 28.—He is a most industrious worker in various branches of literature in London. After a residence of a few years in Australia, where he was connected with the Sydney press, he went to England, where he wrote many sketches of Australian life which were well received. Recently he has been studying the interesting phases of French Canadian and Northwest life, and has produced, among other stories, "The Chief Factor," the principal scenes of which are laid in the great territories of the Dominion before they were opened up to the farmer, the rancher and the railway.
DE MILLE'S WORKS.
[50] Page 29.—James De Mille was a native of New Brunswick, and a professor in Dalhousie College, N. S., at the time of his death. His first work of fiction was "Helena's Household: a Tale of Rome in the First Century" (New York, 1858). His most popular works, "The Dodge Club Abroad" (1866), "Cord and Creese" (1867), "The Cryptogram" (1871), and "A Castle in Spain" (1883), first appeared in 'Harper's Monthly.' A strange, imaginative work, "A Curious MS. Found in a Copper Cylinder," was published in New York in 1888, and is understood to have been written by him. It was not until Rider Haggard's fiction became popular that the New York publishers ventured to print a book which so severely taxes the credulity of the reader. As a work of pure invention it is in some respects superior to those of the English author. Mr. De Mille died in 1880, at the age of 43, when much was expected of him. See Appleton's "Cyclo. Am. Biogr.," ii., 138, for a list of his published works except the one just mentioned.
SARA JEANNETTE DUNCAN.
[51] Page 29.—She is the author of three books. "A Social Departure" and "An American Girl in London" have had many readers and are full of promise. Miss Duncan, in company with another young lady, in 1889–90, went around the world, and made numerous contributions to the press of Canada during that tour, but its noteworthy result is the first mentioned volume. She is now married and a resident of India, whose striking aspects of social life she is studying and portraying in print. Her latest story, or rather sketch, of Indian customs, "The Simple Adventures of a Memsahib" (New York, 1893), has many touches of quiet humour. One must regret that her talent has not been directed to the incidents of Canadian life.
MATTHEW ARNOLD ON LITERATURE AND SCIENCE.
[52] Page 31.—The extract given in the text is taken from "Literature and Science," one of Mr. Matthew Arnold's "Discourses in America," published in book form in London, 1885. See pp. 90–92.
PRINCIPAL GRANT'S ADDRESS.
[53] Page 32.—This address to the Royal Society of Canada, to which reference is made in the text, is given in the ninth volume of the 'Transactions,' pp. xxxix-xl. Dr. Grant could never be uninteresting, but the address shows his ideas can now and then be a little chaotic or enigmatic. It is quite evident he has never studied with much care the volumes of the 'Transactions,' or comprehended the useful work the Society is doing in its own way. Never an active member himself, he has not done adequate justice to those who have been at all events conscientious labourers in the vineyard where he has planted no seed.
SIR J. W. DAWSON.
[54] Page 32.—This distinguished scientific man is a Nova Scotian by birth, who, before he became so closely identified with the prosperity of McGill College at Montreal as its principal, was superintendent of education in his native province. His scientific works are numerous, but the one which first brought him fame was his "Acadian Geology: an Account of the Geological Structure and Mineral Resources of Nova Scotia and Portions of the Neighbouring Provinces of British America" (Edinburgh and London, 1855, 8vo.), which has run through many editions, and is now a very large volume compared with the little modest book that first ventured into the world of literature nearly forty years ago.
MR. BILLINGS.
[55] Page 33.—He was born on his father's farm, in the township of Gloucester, near Ottawa. A bibliography, evidently prepared by his own hand, is to be found in "Bibliotheca Canadensis," pp. 31–34. His most important memoirs are on the third and fourth Decades and the Palæozoic fossils of the Canadian Geological Survey, in which nearly all the genera and species of the fossils there described were discovered by himself.
ORIGIN OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA.
[56] Page 33.—The first volume of the 'Trans. Roy. Soc. Can.' (1882–83), pp. i-lxxiv., contains an account of the proceedings before and after the foundation of the Society, with the addresses in full of the Marquess of Lorne and of the first President and Vice-President of the body. On the occasion of the Montreal meeting, 1891, a handbook was largely circulated by the Citizens' Committee with the view of giving information of the object and work of the Society. It was written by Mr. John Reade, F.R.S.C., and contains a succinct history of the origin and operations of the body until May, 1891. It contains plans of McGill College grounds and of Montreal in 1759, and sketches of the old Seminary towers, St. Gabriel-street church, St. Ann's, besides some interesting facts relating to Montreal's historic places.
SIR D. WILSON, T. S. HUNT AND MR. CHAUVEAU.
[57] Page 34.—Dr. Kingsford has given a paper, "In Memoriam, on Sir Daniel Wilson" ('Trans. Roy. Soc. Can.,' vol. xi.) in which he briefly reviews the excellent literary work and the wide culture of that eminent man. In volume ix. of the 'Trans.,' Sec. I., pp. 53–58, there is a well-written paper on the late Mr. Chauveau, by his successor, Mr. L. O. David of Montreal. The presidential address of Abbé Laflamme in 1892 (see 'Trans.,' vol. x.) was devoted to a review of the scientific attainments of Dr. T. Sterry Hunt.
CANADIAN SOCIETIES.