XXIV ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



their own sects and finding it 'impossible to support four clergymen when 

 one would be sufficient for the field. Macfarlane suggested a conference 

 of all the Protectants to discuss the question of consolidation. After 

 much consideration, a large majority decided to join the Church of 

 England, so that Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists and Episcopalians 

 formed one congregation, working with zeal and hai^tnony. A com- 

 modious church with rectory was built, and the clergyman supported by 

 a good salary. The mission is in existence still, and the good it has 

 done is an example of now the work of the Christian church can be 

 advanced by mutual concessions and the earnest co-operation of its 

 members in the common cause of the Master. 



An incident illustrative of his character is related by one who 

 knew. him well. Chatting with his old friend Kirby, author of "Le 

 Chien d'Or," after a meeting of the Eoyal Society, Kirby, speaking of 

 his increasing age, said, rather sadly, " T am now just waiting ! wait- 

 ing." Macfarlane replied, " Well, I am nearing that stage myself, but 

 I am working and waiting ! " So it was with him up to the last, finding 

 a pleasure and satisfaction in work well done, but always ready for the 

 last call. 



Beenard J. Harrington. 



The death of Dr. Bernard J. Harrington is a^ severe loss not only 

 to the Royal Society, but to McGill University and the country at large. 

 Singularly mod'est and retiring by disposition, he w^as one of those men 

 whom the world allows to do so much of its solid work almost unawares, 

 since they never claim its attention. 



TBorn at St. Andrews, P.Q. in 18-18, he was educated chiefly at home 

 till he entered McGill University, where he graduated with honours in 

 natural science and won the Logan medal in geology. After taking his 

 M.A. degree, he studied at the Sheffileld Scientific School of Yale Uni- 

 versity, and was one of the two candidates who first received the degree 

 of doctor of philosophy from this school. 



His first field work was carried out in Prince Edward Island, 

 where he assisted Sir William Dawson in the preparation of a report on 

 the geology of the island for the Geological Survey of Canada. 



In 1871 he was appointed lecturer in mineralog}'^ at McGill Univter- 

 sity, Avhere he was to serve for thirty-six years. In 1872 he succeeded 

 Dr. Sterry Hunt as chemist and mineralogist to the Geological Survey 

 of Canada., but resigned this post in 1879 in order to give all his atten- 

 tion to his teaching work. Later he became David Greenshields Pro- 

 fessor of Chemistry and Mineralogy. In those pioneer days of university 

 work he also lectured on mining and metallurgy, thus combining the 

 duties of three chairs. But during the last years of his life he had the 



