OBITUARIES. Xlll 



Latterly he lived a rather retired and often invalid life, 

 his health being somewhat broken by a severe attack of 

 influen2a in March, 1913. For some years before the late 

 war, his work had been almost entirely connected with the 

 topic of nature study and attempts to promote it as a most 

 useful factor in the education of a child's mind. To this end 

 he had yearly gatherings and exhibitions at St. James's Parish 

 Hall, Dover. He also occasionally lectured, and about 1910 

 delivered a most interesting and instructive address, now 

 before me, entitled "In Evangeline's Land," which contained 

 vivid descriptions of Nova Scotia, its productions, scenery 

 and sport, and of its Indians and their legends, interspersed 

 with anecdotes. 



Being a talented artist, much of his time was devoted to 

 painting scenes connected with Nova Scotian forests and lakes, 

 their wild life, and the pursuit of sport; and his annual 

 Christmas card was one of his sketches, accompanied by a 

 booklet on some meditative subject. He was closely as- 

 sociated with St. James's parish, Dover, and took great interest 

 in the restoration of the old Castle Church. 



On the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, the residences 

 in Victoria Park were taken for military purposes, and he 

 moved to 40 Leyburne Road. There, after having been in 

 indifferent health for some months, he passed away on 11th 

 April. 1919, in his eighty- eighth year, but in entire possession 

 of all his faculties, and with still his characteristic sunny boy- 

 like disposition, which made him beloved* by everyone who 

 knew him. Up to the very last he wished he could "go back" 

 to Nova Scotia. The same day died his great friend, Col. 

 Samuel Parr Lynes, R. A., who as a lieutenant in the gunners, 

 had fished and hunted and paddled with him in Nova Scotia 

 in 1857 and 1858, and who corresponded with him regularly. 

 Hardy's remains, covered with the nation's flag, on which 

 were his busby and sword, were borne on a six-horse gun- 

 carriage, and laid to rest in a moss- and flower-lined grave in 

 St. James's Cemetery, next to his deceased son. A cross of 

 birch-bark and porcupine-quill work, made by the widow of 

 his favourite Indian guide, John Williams, is appropriately 

 placed to his memory in the parish church. 



Summing up his character, we find he was a devout 

 Christian gentleman, of a deeply religious mind, always doing 



