41-4 Canadian Becord of Science. 



grass, but browsed on the shrubs, leaving unhurt only 

 one great elm, which still stands as the " founder's 

 tree,' and a few old oaks and butternut trees." " 

 Surroundings of this land were not ideal from a univer- 

 sity point of view, but made a delightful environment 

 for an intelligent boy. The numerous wild flowers, 

 the birds' nests, the fossil shells in the blue clay, the 

 waste waterway, where leaves and twigs became 

 '" petrifactions," the lively brook where mimic fleets 

 could be navigated and dams constructed — these and 

 many other objects of interest were there, and with 

 the guidance a,nd encouragement of an ever-ready 

 iather, the boy's inborn love of nature was daily stimu- 

 lated and increased. 



At ten years of age, Dawson entered the Montreal 

 High School, remaining there for one year, and taking 

 a high place in his classes. Subsequently, however, 

 owing to ill-health, his education was carried on for 

 the most part under tutors ; and while this system no 

 doubt cut him off from some advantages, it gave him 

 on the other hand wider opportunities for pursuing 

 :and mastering subjects which had special attractions 

 ior him. Surrounded by books, chemical apparatus, 

 paints and pencils, the days were never too long, and 

 photography, book-binding, painting magic lantern 

 slides, and even cheese-making, afforded him fascinat- 

 ing occupation and amusement. One who knew him 

 well at that time says : " He seemed to absorb know- 

 ledge rather than to study, and every new fact or idea 

 •acquired was at once put into its place and proper 

 relations in his orderly mind. He was always cheerful, 

 amusing and popular, other boys flocking round him 

 and invariably submitting to • his unconscious leader- 

 ship" 



