APPENDIX A LXVII 



scarcely any part of the history of Canada which has not been treated 

 in scholarly monographs. Good original work has been done in the 

 archaeology of the Indian tribes and in the philology of the Indian lan- 

 guages. On looking over the index to the first and second series of 

 our " Transactions, " compiled by Mr. Suite, and just issued, one is 

 surprised at the extent and variety of the information these volumes 

 contain. 



Important as these studies have been in the past, they must be con- 

 sidered only as a foundation for future work. Thanks to the intelli- 

 gent liberality of our Government, Ottawa is becoming a resort for serious 

 students of American history. The Archives building and its precious 

 contents are a monument of wisdom which, while recognizing science, is 

 also broad enough to acknowledge the importance of literature. It 

 stands as an evidence of patriotic pride — pride in the stainless annals 

 of our common country — pride in Champlain and Frontenac, as well 

 as in Brock and Carleton. Treasures of history still unworked lie there 

 waiting for the diligent student, and in proportion as our opportunities 

 are great so also are our obligations. 



Then, again, our interests are widened by the dual origin of our 

 people. Two languages awaken our sympathies with two distinct 

 streams of civilization. The histories of the two great mother nations 

 supply us ^dth an infinity of themes. Two great systems of law and 

 two widely different systems of settlement broaden our outlook over the 

 past and guide us in our forecast of the future. 



In literature, then, we find unfolded the chequered story of the 

 struggle of the human soul with time and circumstance. Often defeated 

 but never despairing, the race of man presses on in its allotted course. 

 Faint, but still pursuing, it follows its ideals — ^the higher civilization 

 in this world, the higher life in the next. Science tells us that force is 

 never destroyed, but transformed, and our life here is a force, struggling, 

 rebellious against its environment, and seeking something higher; as 

 the dragon fly strains out of his muddy covering to become a living flash 

 of light in the sunshine. 



For the high gods took in hand 



Fire, and the falling of tears, 

 And a measure of sliding sand 



From unfl"r the feet of the years; 

 And froth and drift of the sea; 



And dust of the labouring earth; 

 And bodies of things to be 



In the houses of death and of birth; 



