Si'^^l 



m Y 



THE OTTAWA r(ATURALIST. 



Vol. XVI. OTTAWA, DECEMBER, 1902. No. 9. 



DR. ALFRED R. C. SELWYN, CM G., F.R.S., DIRECTOR 

 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CANADA, 1869-1894. 



The subject of this brief notice, who for twenty-five years 

 controlled or advised the undertaking of all the official geological 

 work performed by the Dominion of Canada, died of paralysis 

 at his home in Vancouver, B.C., on Sunday, Oct. 19th, 1902. 



Death doubtless came as a happy release to one who had 

 passed the allotted age of man, and who, owing to weakness and 

 the ever-growing infirmities of age, was deprived from taking that 

 active part to which he had been so long accustomed, and which 

 was so essential to his happiness and well-being. His passing 

 away, however, though not unexpected, came as a shock to his 

 family, and especially to h'n daughter who resided with him, and 

 on whom devolved the care and attention during these declining 

 years, of him who had been one of the world's greatest geologists. 

 His former colleagues, especially the older members of the 

 Geological Survey, grieved for the loss of one who had been a 

 friend and old-time co-worker, at the same time feeling that 

 science had sustained a distinct loss. 



He was born at Kilmington, Somerset, Eng., July 28th, 

 1824, and was the son of the late Rev. Townshend Selwyn, Canon 

 of Gloucester Cathedral, by his wife Charlotte Sophia, daughter 

 of Lord George Murray, Bishop of St. David's, and grand- 

 daughter of John, fourth Duke of Athol. Instructed at home 

 under private tutors, he was afterwards sent to Switzerland, 

 where he completed his education. His early inclination towards 

 the study of natural science, and especially of geology was soon 



