450 THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. X. 



Cornwall, father of the late Dean of Montreal, the only other 

 Scotch ministers at that time in these inland Provinces. He 

 took a leading part in all movements for promotim^ a whole- 

 some state of society. To this end he connected himself with 

 various organizations, the Freemasons among the rest. His, 

 too, was the first name on the roll of the Montreal Curling Club, 

 organized in 1807. In 1809 he succeeded in establishing a 

 literary society, having its headquarters in this city. Dr. 

 Wilkie will tell us its history. " He coveted the society of well- 

 informed persons, and the free communication of ideas. Hence 

 sprung up in his thoughts the conception of the Syramathetical 

 Society, formed for the purpose of promoting mutual improve- 

 ment, and possibly to be the germ of some greater association. 

 He laid hold of the thouscht with eao-erness and commuui- 

 cated it to a very few gentlemen, in whom he had confidence, 

 in Montreal, and to one or two residing at a distance. The 

 proposal was zealously embraced by the few friends to whom it 

 was explained, and carried out with considerable regularity for 

 a few years. A number of essays were furnished from time to 

 time by each of the gentlemen associated, and these were pretty 

 fully discussed at the meetings of the society. Remarks were 

 likewise communicated in writing, and a regular account of all 

 the transactions recorded by one of the members, appointed to 

 act as secretary. A few of these papers were afterwards printed 

 in the '' Canada Review," in 1824. The subjects discussed 

 were chiefly scientific, literary or commercial." His biographer 

 tells us: — *' During his whole life he was wont, when his health 

 permitted, to take daily exercise in the open air. ... In 

 his rambles he used to carry a small hammer, with which he 

 amused himself in examining the interior appearance of stones 

 and rocks. If this was not done in a strictly scientific manner, 

 it served at least to diversify his recreations and give them acti- 

 vity. Sometimes he collected plants and flowers, and he had 

 ever a just appreciation of the beauties of natural scenery." 

 '' Sometimes he was joined " in his rambles " by one or more of 

 his clerical brethren, who, it is well known, were always attracted 

 by his lively conversation." He kept a diary from the time he 

 ■was 22 years of age, and in it he made notes especially of the 

 state of the weather, to the influences of which his frame was 

 keenly susceptible. This record he kept up till within 48 days 

 ,of his death. It was probably not very scientific, as he is not 



