degree of indulgence somewhat greater than would 
be allowed to a similar Institution in most of the Eu- 
ropean States; for, it must be obvious, that in a Colo- 
ny where, with few exceptions, the occupations of all, 
are either Professional, Commercial, or Agricultural, 
Society, besides being comparatively less extensive, is 
so constituted, that those who have leisure for scienti- 
fic enquiry are far from numerous, and there are per- 
haps none who are so circumstanced as to be able to 
devote the greater part of their time to the acquisition 
of knowledge. This Society has, therefore, difficul- 
ties to overcome which are peculiar to its situation. 
When the Members of this Young Society reflect on 
the successful efforts made by similar Institutions of 
the Old World in the pursuit of knowledge, they feel, 
in regard to their own humble exertions, that there 
are different gradations in the scale of merit. They 
have, however, this gratifying recollection, that all 
additions to the sources of literary and scientific infor- 
mation are valuable and meritorious. 
In conclusion, it must be borne in mind, that the 
first object of this Society is to promote a taste for lite- 
rature, and scientific enquiry in a New Country.— 
The following Volume which contains selections from 
its Transactions, from the period of its foundation 
down to its junction with the Sociery FoR THE ENCOU- 
RAGEMENT OF Arts AND Scrences 1n CaNnaApa, which 
formally took effect on the 4th June 1829, will show, 
in part, how far they have as yet succeeded, in exer- 
tious which are universally conceded to be conducive 
to the good of Society. 
Quebec, 10th November, 1829. 
