xx vi 



generalisation as to the stratification and the mode of formation of 

 the Southern Alps, their subsequent carving and denudation by ice 

 and water, the evidence of a glacial epoch similar to that which pro- 

 duced the stria? and boulders of Europe, as well as the account given 

 by him of the nature of Canterbury's rivers and the formation of its 

 plains, all testify to the industry and acute observation of this 

 learned savant. He was elected a Fellow of the E/oyal Society in 

 1867. Some fifty academies and learned societies in various parts of 

 the world enrolled him as a member. The Emperor of Austria con- 

 ferred upon him a patent of hereditary nobility ; and, besides receiv- 

 ing several foreign orders, he was created a C.M.G. by Her Majesty. 

 In 1876 he was appointed Professor of Geology to the Canterbury 

 College, New Zealand University ; and in 1880 he was elected a 

 member of the Senate. During his explorations as Provincial 

 Geologist, he commenced the formation of the Canterbury Museum, 

 which, although of such recent growth, has now attained such pro- 

 portions as to be classified by competent authorities as about the 

 thirteenth in rank of the museums of the world, whilst it undoubtedly 

 is the finest in the southern hemisphere. In 1886, Dr. von Haast 

 came to England as one of the Commissioners for the colony at the 

 Colonial and Indian Exhibition ; and for his services on that occasion 

 was promoted by Her Majesty to the rank of K. C.M.G. In 1887 he 

 returned to New Zealand, with his wife and daughter, and died 

 somewhat suddenly of heart disease soon after his arrival at his 

 Canterbury home. 



W. L. B. 



The task of writing an obituary notice of the late Dr. C. J. B. 

 Williams is rendered comparatively easy by the fact that about four 

 years before his death this venerable physician published full memoirs 

 of his life and work, which have saved much trouble and time in 

 ascertaining the various incidents of his career. 



Dr. Williams, born in 1805, was descended from Welsh parents ; 

 his father was the Rev. David Williams, Perpetual Curate of the 

 Collegiate Church of Heytesbury, in Wiltshire, and his mother was the 

 daughter of a surgeon, Mr. Williams, who lived at Chepstow. This 

 lady received some instruction from the late Mrs. Hannah More, who, 

 strictly religious as she was, often took her pupils to witness the 

 acting of Garrick, which she considered an important aid in education. 

 His father, engaged at one period of his life in tuition, especially in 

 the preparation of students for the Universities, when he ceased to 

 receive pupils still conducted the education of his sons ; but, although 

 Dr. Williams' brothers were afterwards sent to public schools, he 

 himself completed his education at home under his father's super- 

 intendence until he entered the University of Edinburgh. Dr. 



