LIFE OF J. R, WILLIS— PIERS. 411 
talk with many a jolly laugh, which showed that even care 
could not altogether dampen his jovial spirits. He was an ar- 
dent conchologist, entomologist, floriculturist, and mineralogist, 
and it has been remarked of him that he added to a great store 
of knowledge a simple and unassuming nature, which perhaps 
stood more in the way of his prosperity than anything else—for 
the busy world crowds out the possessors of such qualities. 
His conchological operations were carried on chiefly in the 
vacinity of Halifax. The “ Harbour,” Bedford Basin, Eastern 
Passage, and many of the outlying bays and inlets were constantly 
visited by his dredge, while fresh-water ponds and streams were 
also duly ransacked and made to contribute to his growing 
cabinet. Whatever spare time he had, was thus spent in pursuit 
of his favorite study. He also made regular visits to the fish- 
markets, where he examined the contents of fish stomachs— 
those rich treasuries to the shell-collector. He left no field un- 
searched which could yield anything in his line of work, and this 
enthusiastic thoroughness was one of the marked features of his 
character. All who knew him speak of this, and of his amiability 
and quiet generosity. 
