Page:The library a magazine of bibliography and library literature, Volume 6.djvu/213

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
The Library of the Royal Colonial Institute.
201

Weld, Gray, and Bouchett's topographical and geographical account of Canada, which illustrated the ability and zeal of an eminent French-Canadian, one of many who has placed at the disposal of the student of the present day so much historical literature regarding the country. In this section are also the works of Catlin, Galt, Garneau, Smith, Lillie, Mrs. Moodie, Turcotte, Marshall, Gray, and Judge Haliburton, whose works have obtained a world-wide reputation and include The Clockmaker in which the eminent Judge created "Sam Slick," a type of a down east Yankee pedlar, "who sold his wares by a judicious use of that quality which is sure to be appreciated the world over, 'soft sawder and human natur.'" There is also a History of Nova Scotia, by the same author, which was, for a long time, considered the best work published on that particular Colony. The speeches of Joseph Howe also occupy a place in this section, and it is a curious coincidence that whilst a printer and publisher, Howe printed the first work of the humourist, Judge Haliburton. Among the more recent works are those of Leggo, Dubreuil, Ryerson, Dawson, Logan, Macoun, and Kingsford, whose history of Canada is now appearing in periodical volumes and is a most complete record of the foundation and progress of the Dominion. There are numerous works upon the Western province of British Columbia embracing those of Pemberton, Hazlitt, Mayne, Sproat, Macfie, and others. The writings of Dr. Bourinot comprise a library in themselves regarding the Parliamentary institutions of Canada as well as the intellectual development of the Canadian people, whilst most of Mr. H. J. Morgan's works will be found here, both those gentlemen being strong supporters of the Institute and liberal donors to its library. There is one other work which should be mentioned in connection with Canada, viz., Todd's Parliamentary Government in British Colonies, which is of recent date, and has gained a world wide reputation as setting forth the operation of Parliamentary Government in furtherance of its application to Colonial institutions. Closely allied to Canada is the section devoted to works on the Arctic Regions, which from a very early period in the history of our navigation, have been an object of curiosity and research, including those of Ellis, Hearn, Ross, Mackenzie, Franklin, Parry, Rae, Richardson, McClintock, Nansen, Greely, &c. The little Island of Bermuda, lying off the American Coast, is represented by twenty-four works. Turning now to Africa, which section comprises the Cape Colony, Natal,