206 The American Geologist. October, 1897 
enthusiastic and a |)rofieient student. Nor was liis niother 
less careful to instruct his taste in the study of beautiful views 
and landscapes. It was in these studies and amusements, no 
doubt, that he formed that habit of close observation in every 
department of science for which he was always distinguished, 
and here, no doubt, began an education in taste that after- 
ward became sensitively and even severely correct. 
With no other education than this,* so far as is known, he 
went from home at seventeen years of age, and joined a friend 
in teaching a school in Yorkshire, England; and from this 
early period his own genius was his only monitor, and his own 
powers his only support; while his habit of minute observa- 
tion, wedded to his native genius, was to him the one smootii 
stone with which, in a firm reliance upon himself under God, 
and a modest demeanor which won for him the favor of man, 
he went forth like David, not indeed against an enemy, but 
into a department of learning vvliose difficulties were like a 
giant in his way. 
It is not certain, however, that he entered upon the study 
of that science in which he made greatest progress, in any 
other way than as an amateur, until, after giving up his 
school in a few months, he came to America. The exact date 
of his coming is not known. He remained several months in 
Philadelphia, after which he purchased a small piece of land 
in Pennsylvania, and with a gentleman he induced to accom- 
pany him, he entered into possession of an estate far more 
troublesome than lucrative. Finding farming a less congen- 
ial pursuit than he expected, he soon gave up his share of the 
land, and wended his way (travelling often for days on foot) 
to the eastern shore of Virginia, and there took charge of a 
country school in a neighborhood where he had stopped to rest, 
and where the people had been kind to him. His next engage- 
ment was with John H. Dennis, Esq., of Maryland, as private 
tutor in his familj^, where he remained several years, greatly 
endearing himself to his patron and to his pupils. 
*Of Mr. Tuomey's school days at home in the city of Cork, scarcely 
anything- is known. It is certain, however, that he went to some other 
school than that of his relative at his grandmother's, for at least a short 
time. He has been heard to speak of one of his teachers as one who, 
when the boys were fatigued with study, used to entertain them with 
his violin. 
