XXX PROCEEDINGS. 



was the subject in which he delighted. It was, perhaps, also more 

 marked in former than in later years, the burden of the many duties 

 which, owing to his thorough knowledge of Agriculture, had been forced 

 upon him, having been too great, apparently, for his intellectual elas- 

 ticity. But that the power was there in great measure, there can be no 

 doubt, and that it was exercised even in later years is shown by the fact 

 that we have had botanical communications recently from pupils of his 

 who have only lately left the class-room. 



The indirect influence which is shown in kindly interest and con- 

 siderate criticism, is familiar to all our younger members, who have 

 been endeavoring themselves to engage in research, or who have brought 

 the results of their research before the Institute. We well know that 

 he was always interested even in the smallest of our contributions ; 

 that when he directed our attention to faults which might be removed, 

 it was always in the gentlest manner and with the utmost courtesy and 

 consideration for the feelings of others ; and we know also, that in any 

 of the many subjects with which he was familiar, he was always ready 

 to draw from his store of information, for our benefit, things either 

 new or old. His readiness at all times to work for this Institute, his 

 labours in connection with the Botanical Society of Canada, the inter- 

 est he took in the recently founded Botanical Club, his willingness to 

 contribute to the maintenance even of local scientific societies in 

 distant parts of the Dominion, were simply instances of the very large 

 indirect influence which he exerted on the progress of science in 

 Canada. 



This short statement can give but a feeble account of the great 

 work which our late President was able to accomplish in the advancment 

 of Science, the upbuilding of this Institute, and the development of 

 of his adopted country. It may serve, however, to show that through 

 Dr. Lawson's death, the Province of Nova Scotia loses a man who, 

 owing to his profound knowledge and his public spirit, was able to exert 

 a large influence on the development of its most important industry ; 

 the Institute loses a member who, through his activity and success in 

 research, has been largely instrumental in making the reputation which 

 it now possesses in the estimation of similar societies in other parts of 

 the world, and we all, personally, lo?e a friend Avho, through his kindly 

 courtesy and readiness to help, had won our deep affection and profound 

 esteem. 



