REPORT OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE

LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OF QUEBEC,

 

FOR THE

YEAR ENDING 12TH JANUARY, 1853.

 

QUEBEC :

PRINTED BY T. CARY, No. 2, BUADE STREET.

1853.

 

REPORT OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE

AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OF QUEBEC,

FOR THE

YEAR ENDING 12TH JANUARY, 1853.

 

QUEBEC :

PRINTED BY T. CARY, No. 2. BUADE STREET.

1853.

 

THE LIST OF OFFICERS

OF THE

LITERARY & HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 1852.

 

Patron :

 

His Excellency the Right Honble. the EARL OF ELGIN AND KINCARDINE, K. T., Governor General.

 

PRESIDENT : G. B. FARIBAULT, Esquire.

 

Vice-Presidents :

The Hon. R. E. CARON,

ARCHD. CAMPBELL, Esquire,

W. H. A. DAVIKS, Esquire

W. A. HOLWELL, Esquire

 

Recording Secretary :

CHARLES ROGER, Esquire.

 

Corresponding Secretary :

W. ANDREW, Esq., M. A.

 

Council Secretary :

H. D. THIELCKE, Esquire.

 

Treasurer :

JOHN MCDOUGALL, Esquire.

 

Librarian :

E. T. FLETCHER, Esquire.

 

Curator of Museum:

W. D. CAMPBELL, Esquire.

 

Curator of Apparatus :

R. NEILL, Esquire.

 

Committee on Historical Documents :

G. B. FARIBAULT, Esq.

W. ANDREW, M.A.

(ex officio)

 

F. X. GARNEAU, Esquire,

ARCH. CAMPBELL, "

W.C. CROFTON, "

W. H. A. DAVIES, "

 

REPORT OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE

LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OF QUEBEC,

AT THE GENERAL ANNUAL MEETING,

12th JANUARY, 1853.

 

YOUR Council has the honor, on this occasion, of submitting to your consideration their report of the proceedings of the Society, during one of the most eventful periods of its existence.

 

The advent of the government to the ancient capital of Canada, for the first time since the union of the provinces, was hailed as an event likely to produce beneficial results to the Society. This it may in some measure have done, but not without endangering "the local habitation," and shaking the very pillars of our Society. The rooms, which the Society hitherto possessed, in the parliamentary buildings, for the proper disposal of their Library, the Mineralogical and Geological collections, and portions of the Museum, were required for the additional accommodation of the members of parliament and their officers. A large portion of the time of the Society has consequently been occupied during the last twelve months in discussing and defending its rights, in endeavouring to make the most of its position and to hurry forward the necessary arrangements for the preservation of its property.

 

The Council and the Society, at their general and special meetings, in attempting to secure possession of the apartments, assigned to it as the depository of valuable public documents, and books, and other objects of interest to the country, did not oppose any needless obstruction to the intended arrangements of the appointed authorities. The result has been the assignment of the large room, now generally known as the Museum, for all the purposes of the Society. Into this room, accordingly, was crowded the multifarious property, of which the Society is the constituted guardian and proprietor, together with its own extensive library, important scientific collections, and philosophical apparatus.

 

The expenses, incidental on the removal, were very considerable. The book-cases, on being fitted up anew in a suddenly prepared room, had for the due preservation of their contents, to be furnished with substantial deal backs ; and some uniformity, in this and other arrangements, had to be maintained by an extraordinary outlay. The glass-cases for the birds, and other things, were necessarily altered ; and good taste was, in several instance's, ingeniously displayed. But scarcely were these troublesome alterations brought to a close, when renewed invasions of considerable magnitude were made on our diminished quarters, for the better ventilation of the Hall of the Legislative Assembly. These rendered almost futile some of our best arrangements just-finished, produced much immediate inconvenience, and entailed an increased expenditure.

 

Without doubt, the Legislature will make a suitable allowance in compensation to the Society for these reiterated expences. Meanwhile the customary annual grant of £50 has been included in the estimates or vote of credit ; but, our moderate application for £l50 to meet the necessary outlay, caused, by the alterations in the parliamentary buildings, has not been noticed, in consequence, we suppose, of the unexpected prorogation of parliament ; but in fairness, however, it cannot be doubted, that this amount, or even a larger one, which the additional changes, emanating from authority, have entailed on the Society, will be liberally granted in the supplies, when the legislature has re-assembled.

 

Your Council cannot help reminding you, on this occasion, that this Society, the most ancient incorporated body of the kind in this country, has a sacred duty assigned to it under these trying circumstances; that it has intrusted to it the custody and maintenance of objects of paramount importance, which may, and ought to have an influence on the mental and physical improvement of the present and the future inhabitants of these provinces, beyond the temporary effects produced by political changes.

 

During the year there has been a considerable accession of members, and several former associates have rejoined the Society. This has of late become conspicuously evident ; and even on this occasion there is a cheering increase to be added to the list. The meetings of the Society have been attended, during the year, with sufficient regularity to conduct the business of the Society; only one instance occurred when a quorum could not conveniently be formed, and this, on account of the accidental absence of a vice-president. Still there is room for improvement in this respect, and for the increased zeal and attendance of members, uniting to forward the ordinary business, and to promote the great objects of the Society.

 

In the commencement of last year the Society was deprived of the services of Robert Symes Esq., as Treasurer, an office which he had for many years filed with unremitting zeal. The thanks of the Society were duly voted to their esteemed associate, whose services were fully appreciated by those who had longest witnessed his persevering exertions for the prosperity of the Society.

 

The evening meetings which the Society had resolved should be resumed, could not conveniently be continued in consequence of the changes in the parliamentary buildings; but staled evening meetings, once every fortnight, were lately appointed to take place ; and the use of a room was procured for this purpose in the Hotel-de-Ville, trough the kindness of His Worship the Mayor, one of our associate members. Two of these meetings have already been held; and it is confidently hoped, they will be continued with increasing interest, and if possible, considerable additions secured for the comfort, encouragement, and convenience of all who attend It is purposed to begin these conversaziones, as hitherto, with a paper, or short lecture, on some literary or scientific topic, and to pass the rest of the time in friendly discussions or conversation. A committee has, been appointed to consider the propriety of securing suitable apartments and accommodation for the promotion of this object.

 

The re-appointment of classes, at the next council meeting, will tend to preserve the productions, read on these occasions, from being indiscriminately lost to the society. This measure had also become requisite, that there might be properly appointed committees in readiness to examine, and report upon, the relative merits of the Essays arid Productions, which are expected in response to the offer of Prize-Medals, published a few months ago by the Society. New members or others, requiring farther information on this subject, are referred to the appendix of ibis report.

 

During the latter half of the year a friendly intercourse took place between this Society and the Natural History Society of Montreal ; and a resolution was passed at one of our meetings recommending that this Society and the Natural History Society of Montreal should agree to interchange any duplicate, specimens which they possessed, and otherwise maintain a mutual communication. This was cordially responded to, and a resolution, passed accordingly by the Montreal Society, was duly received, as well as other communications from the present president of that Society, Major Lachlan, one of our corresponding members.

 

Mention of this naturally leads us to notice the visit of Capt. Lefroy, the officer in charge of the Magnetic Observatory in Toronto, his presence at one of our meetings, and our mutual congratulations on the occasion. Since then, we number among our associates two or three members well acquainted with the distinguished gentleman just mentioned ; an additional assurance, that the societies, in both Provinces, will combine to promote the pursuits of Science and Literature, and in some branches, perhaps, which may prove useful, not only to this country, but to other portions of the world.

 

A proposition was made through Capt Lefroy to this Society, as well as to the Natural History Society of Montreal, to promote the success of that meritorious publication, "The Canadian Journal" of Toronto, by engaging two or three pages of it every month, for the purpose of recording therein any papers or articles connected with our proceedings. The hope of being enabled to resume the publication of our own transactions seemed to render the completion of such an arrangement precarious and doubtful, even should the terms have suited; but the Society is quite willing to encourage, individually through its members, and so far by itself, this useful periodical. Such is understood to be the opinion of the sister institution in Montreal ; and indeed the propose publication of a similar Journal in the Lower Province would preclude any-farther movement in the matter for the present.

 

The Librarian's report contains among other interesting topics a reference to the Society of Northern Antiquarians ; our society have resolved to become subscribers for the valuable researches and publications of that learned, body, most interesting, as they must be, to the inhabitants of the Northern parts of the American Continent.

 

A carefully compiled report has also been received from the Treasurer, Capt. John McDougall, which is in every respect satisfactory, and will serve as a starting point of reference to future enquirers.

 

With regard to the Museum, a special report is appended by the curator. We may, however, remark that no additions of any moment could be made by the Society itself in its uncertain position during the year. But a great desire exists of removing from the Museum some of the most cumbrous and unnecessary specimens of Natural History ; and of procuring, in their stead, a large addition of appropriate ones, illustrative of the peculiar and diversified animals indigenous to this portion of the world, famous above all others for its beautiful furs, valuable both in a commercial and scientific sense.

 

Our Geological and Mineralogical collections have only to be closely inspected to be fully appreciated. They have, perhaps of late, been too much neglected by the Society itself, to justify any remarks concerning the slight notice of strangers, or the neglect of paid authorities, who, in a late recommendation of  "The Canadian Institute," appears to have forgotten that such, a society exists. We think also that we may justly complain, that our treasures have not been lately enriched by those who are officially appointed in the permament geological survey of the different parts of Canada. We cannot believe that these gentlemen are aware of the extent of our collection, or can entertain a just idea, how much a due attention to our claims would be appreciated. A new era in this department, commencing all over the globe, has not failed to dawn on our Lower Province. Some interesting specimens, from districts in our immediate vicinity, have been presented during the year ; and had the Society been in a more settled condition, we doubt not that more attention would have been given to the subject.

 

From what has taken place elsewhere, we think the Society, in justice to itself, should apply to some of the European societies for copies of their published transactions or other such documents. Several of such societies, both in Britain and on the continent, would, we are sure, most readily comply with the application ; and some perhaps might be pleased at being made acquainted with such an institution as our own, and be desirous to promote its prosperity.

 

Meanwhile, let us strive strenuously, within ourselves, to continue the impulse, which the Society, notwithstanding so many interruptions and discouragements, has manifestly received during the past year, by attending zealously to our respective offices, by constantly frequenting the meetings of the Society, and by gathering around us all within our sphere, who are willing and able to unite with us in advancing the great objects of Literature and Science in this rapidly increasing community.

 

W. ANDREW, M. A.,

Vice-President.

 

LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.

 

Your Librarian has the honor to report that the following donations have been made to the Library of the Society within the past year :—

 

FROM HENRY LEMEVRE, ESQ.

 

Traité de la Défense et de l'Attaque, par M. Vauban ;

Bezout on Navigation, Algebra, and Geometry, 3 vols. ;

Cours de Mathématique, par C Bossut.

 

FROM W. ANDREW, ESQ., M. A.

 

A Catalogue of the Books formerly in the Parliamentary Library, Montreal.

 

FROM T. D. HARINGTON, ESQ.

 

Humbolt's Cosmos, 3 vols. ;

Richardson's Arctic Expedition ;            ,

4 Vols, of Year-Book of Facts; for 1847, '8, '9, and 1851 ;

Mitchell on Astronomy ;

Exposition of the planet Neptune ;

Recent Progress in Astronomy ; 

Appleton's Mechanics' Magazine ;

Annual of Scientific Discovery.

 

FROM MAJOR LACHLAN.

 

Two copies of a Lecture delivered before the Natural History Society of Montreal.

 

FROM PROFESSOR RAFN, OF COPENHAGEN.

 

Sundry printed documents from the Royal Society of Northern Antiquities.

 

FROM CAPTAIN LEFROY, R. A.

 

Irregular Fluctuations of Magnetic elements ;

Second Report on the Aurora Borealis ;

Remarks on the Winter in Canada ;

Prospectus of the Canadian Institute.

 

FROM R. C. GEGGIE, ESQ.

 

Dictionary of Mineralogy, in eight languages ;

Engravings, illustrative of the gaseous combustion of Coal, by C. W. Williams.

 

FROM JOHM MCDOUGALL, ESQ.

 

A Chart of the Atlantic Ocean, shewing the Great Circle sailing across the Atlantic.

 

FROM L. A. H. LATOUR, ESQ.

 

Journal d'Agriculture de la Société du Bas Canada ;

Report on a Preliminary Survey of the Water supply, Montreal ;

An Indian Almanac.

 

FROM THE PATENT OFFICE, WASHINGTON.

 

Report of the Patent Office, Washington, from 1845 to 1850.—(Through the hands of T. D. Harington, Esq.)

 

And the following Books have been added to the Library by purchase :—

 

Machiavelli's History of Florence,

Lawrence's Physiology.

Dammii Lexicon Homericum,

Journey in Italy and France, 2 vols.

Salmon's British Chronology, 3 vols.

Hampton's Polybius,

Brettschneider's Lexicon,

Folio History of Spain,

Rossini, Antiquitates Romanae,

Tomb of Alexander,

Arrian's Voyage,

Rowan's French Revolution,

Republique dis Lettres. 15 vols.

Coleridge's Works,

Conde, Los Arabes en Espana,

Pingré, Traité des Comètes, 2 vols.

And two smaller works on Fossil Shells, and on Soils.

 

The book-cases have also been newly backed, as a precautionary measure against dust and damp.

 

The recent removal of the books from the room formerly-used as a Library to that which they at present occupy, has unavoidably been an Item of expense to the Society, and caused more or less of injury to the volumes. It has also prevented the preparation of a catalogue brought up to the present day, the necessity of which has been long felt and acknowledged. Should circumstances, however, now prove favorable to this undertaking, your Librarian will have much pleasure in co-operating with his successor in preparing the requisite catalogue for publication.

 

The Library of the Society, numbering about four thousand volumes, contains several works of high standing and interest. Among these are the Statutes of the Realm, from Henry I. to the 13th of Queen Anne, with Indices ; Rymer's Foedera ; the Doomsday Book with Dissertation and Index; the Calendarium Rotulorum ; the Acts of the Scottish Parliament, from 1424 to 1707 ; and other similar Records of the United Kingdom extending to several hundred folio volumes in all. In the department of Canadian and Colonial History it is also rich.

 

In furtherance of the researches into early Canadian history, to which this Society, from its position, has it in its power so efficiently to contribute, and the prosecution of which has always had a large share of its attention and patronage, it is respectfully recommended that no opportunity be lost of adding to its shelves such original memoirs, state documents, and statistical or other papers as bear upon the history and growth of our adopted country. Much has been already done in this way, as the Library itself bears evidence. It is indeed, such original records as these which form the basis of all history. And se respectable a collection of books as that which belongs to the Society may reasonably be expected to comprise not only the more recent historiographic compilations but also the original sources from which they are derived.

 

Several communications received from Professor Rafn, Secretary to the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries at Copenhagen, have elicited a desire on the part of many of our members, to see some attention bestowed by the Society, on the subject of Scandinavian Archaeology: a subject of special interest to all our British North American Provinces, when it is considered that the coasts of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia were visited by the Northmen nearly five centuries before Cabot or Columbus first saw the mainland of America. Your Librarian, therefore, respectfully recommends that such additions be made lo the Library, in this department, as may appear likely to further the attainment of so desirable an end.

The whole humbly submitted.

 

E. T. FLETCHER,

Librarian

Quebec, 12th January, 1853.

 

REPORT OF THE CURATOR OF THE MUSEUM.

 

The Curator of the Museum reports, that the donations to the Museum during the year 1852 have not been very numerous, whilst no additions whatever have been made at the expense of the Society. The Museum has, however, been moved and re-arranged in the room at present occupied by the Society. A Committee were appointed for the purpose of directing the arrangements of the several collections of Natural History, and under their superintendence a great improvement has been effected in the general appearance of the Museum.

 

The Curator regrets to state that during the time that the rooms were kept open in consequence of the alterations in progress in the Parliament Buildings, it is evident that many articles belonging to the Museum were purloined, and that others have been more or less seriously injured, by persons who were then enabled to gain admittance at all times of the day.

 

The Curator is also sorry to remark that the decayed state of many of the stuffed specimens of Natural History, (more especially of the larger animals) renders it desirable that such of them as cannot be effectually repaired should be removed from the Museum as soon as practicable. The Curator respectfully recommends that during the ensuing year as many of these specimens as possible may be replaced by new ones ; and that a certain sum should be annually expended by the Society in improving and enlarging the Museum, in the several departments, to which additions may be thought desirable.

 

W. D.CAMPBELL,

Curator of Museum.

Quebec, 11th January, 1853

 

DONATIONS TO THE. MUSEUM.

 

FROM L. SLEEPER, ESQ.

 

Gold Dust with Mag. Iron, Chaudière,

A small Spinel Ruby, Chaudière,

Copper Ore, 77 per cent, Inverness,

Chromate Iron, Township of Warwick,

Impure Serpentine with Crystals of Actinolite, Township of Patton.

 

FROM CAPT. INGALL,

 

A Split Bomb Shell, picked up by Lord F. Paulet, at Montmorency, supposed fired by the French when Gen. Wolfe was encamped there.

 

FROM MR. R. C. GEGGIE.

 

A variety of Minerals from the Townships and neighbourhood of Quebec,

A Conglomerate Specimen.

 

FROM MR. BANCROFT.

 

Divelue Musele found 6 feet below the river St. Charles, a Butter Nut, and a Lignum-Vitae Wheel.

 

FROH MR. H. D. THIELCKE.

 

A Fossil Specimen of Rock from the quarry Deschambault.

 

FROH MR. CARDINAL.

 

Several Antiquities found during the excavations for the foundation of the East Wing of Parliament Buildings.

 

COINS PRESENTED IN 1852.

 

By the Rev. A. W. MOUNTAÏN, B. A.—3 Silver Coins.

By W. A. HOLWELL, Esq.—1 Silver Coin.

By R. NEILL, Esq.—1 Silver Coin.

By WM. PRICE, Esq.—2 Copper Coins found in the Church at Tadousac.

By Master O'LEARY.—1 Copper Coin during the Republic of Rome 1849.

 

THE LIST OF OFFICERS

OF THE

LITERARY & HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

FOR THE YEAR 1853.

 

PRESIDENT:

GEO. BARTHELEMI FARIBAULT, Esquire.

 

VICE-PRESIDENTS :

ARCHD. CAMPBELL, Esquire.

REV. A. W. MOUNTAIN, B. A.

W. ANDREW, Esq., M.A.

LIEUT. A. NOBLE, R.A.

 

SECRETARIES :

RECORDING.

H. D. THIELCKE, Esquire.

CORRESPONDING.

W. A. HOLWELL, Esquire.

 

COUNCIL.

F. X.GARNEAU, Esquire,

 

TREASURER:

W. H. A. DAVIES, Esquire.

 

LIBRARIAN:

E. T. FLETCHER, Esquire.

 

CURATORS:

OF MUSEUM.

R. H. RUSSELL, Esq., M. D.

OF APPARATUS.

W. D. CAMPBELL, Esquire.

 

H. D. THIELCKE,

Recording Secretary.

 

CLASSES.

 

LITERATURE.

Wm. Andrew, Esq., M. A., Chairman.

G. B. Faribault, Esq.

J. P. O Chauveau, Esq.,M. P. P.

D. Wilkie, Esq.

E. T. Fletcher, Esq.

 

NATURAL HISTORY.

 

R.H. Russell, Esq., M. D., Chairman.

S. P. Russell, Esq., M. D.

Geo. M. Douglas, Esq., M.D.

W. H. A. Davies, Esq.

R. C. Geggie, Esq.

 

SCIENCE.

 

W. A. Holwell, Esq, Chairman.

Lieut. Edward Ashe, R. N.

Lieut. Andrew Noble, R. A.

W. D. Campbell, Esq.

E. T. Fletcher, Esq.

 

ARTS.

 

G.W. Wicksteed, Esq., Chairman

Wm. Andrew, Esq., M.A.

The Honble. H.H. Killaly.

Capt. John McDougall.

H.S. Scott, Esq.

 

FINE ARTS.

 

Archd. Campbell, Esq., Chairman.

Hy. D. Thielcke, Esq.   

W. D. Campbell, Esq.

W. A. Holwell, Esq.

Wm. Henderson, Esq.

 

THE PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS.

 

The President, and Corresponding Secretary (ex officio Members.)

Vice-President—Wm. Andrew, Esq., M. A.

J. P. O. Chauveau, Esq , M. P. P.

E.T. Fletcher, Esq.

F.X. Garneau, Esq.

Capt, John McDougall.

 

H. D. THIELCKE,

Recording Secretary,

PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS.

Feb. 25 1853.

 

THE LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OF QUEBEC

OFFERS PRIZES FOR THE MOST APPROVED

ESSAY, DISQUISITION OR PAPER,

ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS :

 

1.—On any department of Natural History, having relation to British North America.

2.—On the History of Canada, or any portion of it, its Antiquities, or the Language and Manners of the Aborigines.

3.—On Northern Antiquities in general, illustrative of the early History of North America.

4.—On the Fine Arts or any branch of them, and the cultivation thereof in this Country.

5.—On useful and ornamental Architecture, applicable to Public and Private Buildings in Canada, in respect to comfort and convenience, as well as to the improvement of taste.

6.—On any subject connected with (illegible) to the Resource (illegible)

7.—On the best system of Elementary Education applicable to Canada

8.—On the importance and advantages of the study of the Greek Language in any liberal system of Education.

 

ALSO FOR :—

9.—The best Poem on any subject relative to British North America.

10.—The best Historical Oil-painting ; the subject relating to Canada.

11.—The best Landscape of Canadian scenery, in oil or in it aler colours.

 12.—The best piece of Sculpture Model, on Plaster Cast.

 

The prizes consist of the Society's " First Prize SILVER MEDALS." The Society reserves to itself the right of withholding Prizes, when, in its judgment, no production worthy of them are presented.

 

If more than one production under any particular head be deemed worthy of a prize, additional Prizes will be given.

 

The productions presented for competition must be original, that is, prepared expressly for the occasion.

 

All communications on the subject should be addressed to the Council Secretary, and the productions transmitted to him, free of expense, before the second Wednesday in May next.

 

Every Production must have a Motto attached or prefixed, and must be accompanied by a scaled note bearing as a superscription the title of the production and motto, and having the author's name and place of residence written within.

 

The Prizes will be adjudged, and the Medals, which are already prepared, distributed, immediately after the Society's monthly meeting in June next.

 

H. D. THIELCKE,

Council Secretary.

Quebec, 28th November, 1852.