tl PKEFACE. 



leisure for such pursuits, or from a difficulty of obtaining 

 the documents referred to, fi om those in whose possession 

 they are, the Society has not as yet made any considerable 

 progress in these primary objects. Matter however of 

 another, and perhaps not less valuable kind, has been 

 brought forward ; and it is hoped that the papers contained 

 in this volume, on the language of a race that is rapidly 

 passing away, and on the productions and capabilities of a 

 country hitherto, in a great mea^iure unknown, will be 

 received with some interest. 



The former volume of Transactions consisted principally 

 of papers presented to the Literary and Historical Society, 

 between the time of its first foundation, and the year 1829, 

 During this period another society was formed in Quebec, 

 for the promotion of Arts and Sciences in Canada. His 

 Excellency Sir James Kempt, who at this time became 

 the Patron of both societies, and to whom, in their separate 

 and united states, they are indebted for constant and 

 liberal support, suggested the advantage that must acciue 

 by bringing together whatever talent or resources either 

 possessed. Under his auspices an union was subsequently 

 formed between them, and the present volume is the first 

 result of their united efforts. 



Though the acquisition of information on subjects con- 

 nected with the Canadas, is a leading object with the present 

 society, that object is not the only one it has in view. Of 

 equal importance, in its estimation, is the endeavour to 

 excite in the rising generation, a taste for scientific know- 

 led^-e and pursuits, and at the same time to afford facilities 

 for their cultivation. With these views, a grant of £250, 

 supplied by the liberality of the Provincial Parliament, 

 together with a considerable sum from the Society's private 



