Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting that all Common Schools should be free.

At Sarnia, Jan. 28,-Moved by Mr. H. F. McKenzie, seconded by Rev. Mr. Gould, and

Resolved,That the system of Free Schools should be established by law, and no longer be left, as at present, to the decision of the people at the annual school meeting.

At Sandwich, Jan. 30,-Moved by Mr. Noble, and seconded by Mr. James Bartlett, and

Resolved, That the school law be so altered that all Common Schools may become free.

At Chatham, Jan. 31,-Moved by Dr. Cross, seconded by Stephen White, Esq., and

Resolved,That this meeting is of opinion that the system of Free Schools having been sufficiently experimented on, should now be established by statute, and not left any longer to be voted upon from year to year by the public.

At London, Feb. 1,-Moved by Mr. Schram, seconded by Mr. Francis, and

Resolved,―That the rate bill be abolished, and Free Schools be

established in this Province.

At St. Thomas, Feb. 2,-Moved by the Rev. E. Sheppard, seconded by His Honor Judge Hughes, and

compulsory on Parents and others to send their children to School, under a free system.

At Napanee, Feb. 25,-Moved by the Rev. John Scott, seconded by Dr. Carey, and

Resolved, That this meeting approves of the system of Free Schools, if provision can be made to require the attendance of the children at some school.

At Kingston, Feb. 27,—Moved by the Rev. H. Mulkins, seconded by Rev. A. Wilson, and

Resolved,-That in the opinion of this meeting, considering it equitable in itself that the property of the State should educate the children of the State, and considering also that the principle of Free Schools is already very extensively admitted and practised in Upper Canada, and that its general adoption would tend to the unity and prosperity of the Common School system, the time has arrived when the principle should be universally adopted, and education made free to every child in the Province: and to accomplish this important purpose it is desirable that the trustees in School sections should have the power, as those in cities and towns now have, to determine whether their Schools shall be free.

At Brockville, Feb. 28,-Moved by Mr. Wylie, seconded by Mr. James Kirker, and

Resolved unanimously,-That believing universal education to be a universal benefit, in the opinion of this meeting the system of Free Schools is the system best adapted for the furtherance of education in Canada; and believing also, that when a community voluntarily offers free education, the welfare of society requires the compulsory attendance of all vagrant children.

At Perth, Feb. 29,-Moved by John Deacon, Jr., Esq., seconded by the Rev. James Duncan, and

Resolved,-That in the opinion of this Convention, the general introduction into Upper Canada of the Free School system (the vast and various benefits of which have been abundantly manifested) by Act of the Parliament, would be wise and salutary, and calculated to advance the best interests of our country.

Esq., seconded by Mr. James Cross, and
At L'Orignal, March 2,-Moved by Chauncey Johnson, Junr.,

present very general monthly payment exacted of parents, or Resolved,-That it is the opinion of this Convention, that the and the Common Schools made free, as the term is usually underguardians sending children to the Common Schools, be abolished, stood.-Carried.

At Iroquois, March 6,-It was

school-bill, so wisely and energetically carried out, has proved Resolved, That whereas the practical working of our excellent

Resolved,-That it is the opinion of this meeting that the time has arrived, when it is desirable that the Free School principle should be extended, by Statute, to all the Common Schools in Western Canada.

In amendment it was moved by T. J. Cottle, Esq., seconded by Mr. Impet, that it be

Resolved, That this meeting does not think that the time has arrived when the Common Schools of our country should be free. The amendment was lost, and the original motion was carried almost unanimously.

At Milton, Feb. 7,-Moved by S. R. Lister, Esq., and seconded by Mr. John Husband, and

Resolved,―That in the opinion of this meeting the mode of raising the expenses of Common Schools is by direct taxation, and would therefore recommend that an Act be passed to that effect.

At Newmarket, Feb. 13,-Moved by Thomas Nixon, Esq., seconded by Donald Sutherland, Esq., and

Resolved, That the Legislature be requested so to amend the School Act as that the public schools of our country be made free. At Cobourg, Feb. 21,-Moved by C. Underhill, Esq., seconded by J. R. Dixon, Esq., and

Resolved, That all Common Schools should be free by statute.Carried.

At Peterboro', Feb. 22,-Moved by Mr. Goo. Esson, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and

Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the school system should be made an absolutely Free School System at as early a period as possible.-Carried.

At Picton, Feb. 24,-Moved by Rev. G. Miller, seconded by Mr. Israel Hamilton, and

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention, that all Schools should be Free, and that a law shall be passed making it

school has proved itself much more effective than schools where of this convention the time has come when all Common Schools throughrate-bills are imposed,-therefore be it resolved that in the judgment out Upper Canada should be made free by legislative enactment. At Cornwall, March 7,-Moved by Rev. Mr. Campbell, seconded by Dr. Cook, and

Resolved, That this Convention recognizes the principle, that it is the duty of the State to provide the means of education for all these means carried out by Legislative enactment.-Carried. the youth within its jurisdiction-and therefore it is its duty to see

IV. MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS.

Distribution of the Upper and Lower Canada School Grants. At Sarnia, Jan. 28,-Moved by A. McKenzie, Esq., seconded by J. Gemmill, Esq., and

Resolved, That this meeting considers the present system of distributing the public money in Upper and Lower Canada unjust. That in any proposed amendment to the school law, provision should be made for the apportionment of all Parliamentary grants to the attending the schools, or in proportion to the local contribution for two sections of the Province, in proportion to the number of children school purposes.

Canadian Series of School Books.

At Newmarket,-Feb. 13,-Moved by Mr. Nixon, seconded by Mr. P. Menzies, and

Resolved,-That our school books might be improved by revision. The different sciences treated of in them ought to be brought up to the present advanced state of those sciences. And furthermore that a series of lessons be introduced on the sciences of political economy and moral philosophy, and that the books be made to partake of as national a character as possible.

County or Circuit Local Superintendents, and their qualifications. Moved by Dr. J. Bentley, seconded by Mr. T. Nixon, and Resolved,-That it is the opinion of this Convention that County or Circuit Superintendents should be appointed in place of the present

local or township superintendents and that these officers ought to be in connection with the Educational Department, and that they should be required to be possessed of a requisite amount of scholastic attainments.

At Barrie, Feb. 14,-Moved by Rev. W. F. Checkley, A. B., seconded by John Ross, Esq., and Resolved,-1. That instead of numerous Superintendents, one or more Inspectors should be appointed by the County Council for the Common Schools of each County. That such Inspectors should themselves have exercised with success the office of School Teachers. 2. That no one Inspector should have supervision over fewer than seventy-five, or more than two hundred schools.

3. That a sufficient salary should be provided for each by the County Councils, and that they should be required to make the inspection of schools their exclusive business.

At Cobourg, Feb. 21,-Moved by John R. Clark, Esq., M.P.P., seconded by Thos. M'Naughton, Esq., and

Resolved,That this meeting approves of the appointing County, instead of Township, Superintendents.

Too frequent change of Teachers.-Increase of Trustees. At Whitby, Feb. 20,-Moved by Mr. Gibbs, seconded by Mr. Sheriff Reynolds, and

Resolved, That it is highly expedient where practicable that there be but one School Superintendent appointed for each County. -Carried.

At Whitby, Feb. 20,-Moved by Mr. Younghusband, seconded by Rev. Mr. Currie, and

Resolved, That that part of the school law in reference to the frequent change of Teachers, works very injuriously to the position and the welfare of Teachers, and it is hence hereby recommended

He

mother country be weakened. But so far from this-although all the self-government was given us that we could wish for-we find that the very exercise of that freedom and self-government has called forth a cordiality and a depth of feeling and attachment that has made the name of Victoria an honored word-a word of magic and power, in the hearts of the people. For proof of this need I point to the grateful offering of a regiment of men raised in a very short time, for the cause of England? The hearty answer made to the threatened invasion of England by the enrolment of 500,000 volunteers, proves that there are yet true hearts and native energy in England. was deeply impressed with the great importance of the teacher's work, its elevating-he had almost said its divine-nature, because it was that which operated on the immortal mind and divine heart of man. Such work needed long and careful training of the workmen, and there had been an immense improvement in this respect throughout the Province. Fifteen years ago, such an array of able and respectable teachers as those present, could not have been found in the country. The people had learned that the best paid talent was the most economical, because it secures the greatest efficiency. In reply to a toast from Dr. Beatty (the Mayor), the Hon. Sidney Smith, in acknowledgment, bore ample and cheerful testimony to the ability, zeal, and patriotism displayed by the respected Chief Superintendent of Education, in the arduous duties of his office. The toast to "The Trustees of the Grammar Schools and Common Schools," was most ably responded to by the Venerable the Archdeacon of York, who bestowed a graceful eulogy on the Chief Superintendent of Education, for the honesty of purpose and unquestionable ability which he had manifested in the discharge of the duties of his office.*-Colonist and Cobourg Star.

Moved by Mr. Baird, seconded by Dr. Checkley, and Resolved,-That it would be conducive to the physical and mental development of the pupils, as well as to the general efficiency of our common schools, if every Saturday were a holiday instead of every alternate Saturday, as the law now stands.--Carried.

Compulsory Selection of School Sites.

At Cobourg, Feb. 21,-Moved by Caleb R. Mallroy, Esq., seconded by Philip Kelly, Esq., and

Resolved,-That it is desirable that School Trustees should have the same power of selecting School sites as Township Councils have to force roads where desirable.--Carried.

--

4. DINNER TO REV. DR. RYERSON, IN COBOURG. Dr. Ryerson was entertained at a dinner given him by the teachers of the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham, at Cobourg, on the occasion of his official visit, 21st of February. Sheriff Fortune occupied the chair, and among the company were the Ven. Archdeacon Bethune, Hon. Sidney Smith, the Mayor of Cobourg, ex-Sheriff Ruttan, &c. &c. The chairman having proposed the health of their guest, Dr. Ryerson, in the course of his speech, made the following remarks:-"Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the generous and hearty manner in which you have received this toast. Surely it is a matter of congratulation to me to see the day I now see-that I never expected to see-and the glowing feelings that animate our hearts at the glorious progress of Education in the country. This meeting, composed as it is partly of common school teachers and of others who hold so high positions in the country, speaks loudly in regard to the influence of education in the country. We have corI can well dially responded this evening to the usual loyal toast. recollect the time when that toast would not have been received with cordiality. But our prosperity has given birth to feelings of loyalty. It was apprehended that in proportion to the freedom we enjoyed, might the bonds of connection between us and the

1. PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF MASSACHUSETTS.

We thank the Hon. G. S. Boutwell, Secretary to the Board of Education, for this valuable report for 1858-9:

=

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Townships in the Commonwealth, 333, of which all but one, (Belmont, incorporated within the year) made returns. Public schools, 4,444, making an increase of 23 for the year. (For brevity's sake, we will denote Increase, by +, Decrease, by,) Persons in the State between 5 and 15 years of age, 220,379,-2,925; scholars of all ages, in all the public schools, in summer, 204,925, +5,133; in winter, 211,388, — 6,810; average attendance in all the public schools, in summer, 160,108, +5,466; in winter, 166,520,9,006; ratio of the mean average attendance to the whole number of children between five and fifteen, expressed in decimals, .74. Children under five attending public schools, 10,903,-1,467. Persons over fifteen, attending public schools, 23,607, +6,713. Teachers in summer, males, 394, +11; females, 4,612, +102; total, 5,006, +113. Teachers in winter, males, 1,929, +31; females, 3,568, +86; total, 5,497, + 117. Number of different persons employed as teachers in public schools during the year; males, 1,669, females 5,575, 7,244. Average time open of the schools, 7 months and 17 days + 4 days. Average wages of male teachers per month, including board, $48.90, $0.97. Average wages of female teachers per month, including board, $19.02, $0 61. Amount raised by taxes for the support of public schools, including only wages, board, fuel, and care of fires, $1,390,382 34, +$49,130 31. Income of surplus revenue and of similar funds, appropriated only for public schools, $7,852.47. Amount of voluntary contributions of board, fuel, and money, to maintain or prolong public schools, $29,309 41, — 6,01470. Income of local funds appropriated for academies and schools, $41,043 62. Amount received by towns and cities as their share of the income of the State School Fund, $46,761 12. Amount paid by the towns and cities for superintendence, $44,865 99. Aggregate returned as expended on public schools alone, exclusive of the expense of repairing and erecting school-houses, and of the cost of school books, $1,519,171 33, +$44,682 45. Sum raised by taxes, (including income of surplus revenue,) for the education of each child in the State, between five and fifteen years of ageper child, $6 34, +$0 30. Per centage of the valuation of 1850, appropriated for public schools, (2 mills and 34 hundreths,) .002-34. Three hundred and thirty towns, all except Southwick, which has a local fund for the support of its schools, Belmont which was incorporated within the year, and Bernardston have raised more than $1 50 per child between five and fifteen. Towns that have raised the sum of $3 or more, per child, between five and fifteen, 287, +9. Number of incorporated academics

During the recent Tour of the Chief Superintendent throughout Upper Canada, several very complimentary addresses were presented to him by Municipal and other bodies, especially in the Counties of Welland, Norfolk (his native county), Northumberland and Hastings.

ward school management. It is due, however, to those who have had the administration of the affairs of the Board of Education, or to the system, as defective as it may be, to say that public education has flourished in this city. Our common schools are the nurseries of intelligence and virtue, and have done much to elevate the rising generation. The Superintendent recommends the Board of Education to call on the City Government to enforce the Truant and Vagabond laws and favors a free Academy for girls, the continuance of the evening schools, and a careful organization of the colored schools. He discourages frequent receptions, exhibitions and public concerts in schools, as breaking in upon the regular course of instruction, and the habit of study, and insists upon more attention to warming and ventilation. Corporal punishment, he thinks, should only be inflicted as a dernier resort, and then, without anger, or undue severity, and never in the presence of the school or class.

INCREASE OF CRIME AMONG THE YOUTH OF NEW YORK.

The crimes of murder and manslaughter, and assaults upon the lives of our citizens, seem to be growing with fearful pace in this city, notwithstanding that we are taxed at the rate of $1,250,000 for education, and $8,750,000 a year for the privilege of living in security and peace-a privilege, however, which unfortunately we do not enjoy, as the daily records of crime in the newspapers and the calendars of our criminal courts, both abundantly prove. There have been eighteen convictions obtained at this term of the Court of Oyer and Terminer. The crimes, as remarked by Judge Ingraham, have all been committed by young men-not one of the convicts being over thirty years, but most of them being about twenty or twenty-five years of age-a fact which speaks most unfavorably for juvenile morals in the metropolis, and we think presents a strong contrast to the morals of that class in other large cities. It is rarely that desperate crimes of the character of murder and manslaughter are confined most entirely to the young in any community, although in the general aggregate of crime, this class may be most largely represented. Nor can we believe that this circumstance is attributable solely to the natural depravity of the youth of New York, though it is incontrovertible that recklessness and violence strongly characterize them. It is to be attributed mainly to that spirit of rowdyism and disregard of human life so prevalent amongst us, which leads to bar-room fights and the free use of deadly weapons in moments of passion. And it is attributable, too, with more force, to the inefficiency of the police, who do little to prevent the commission of crime, and not much more toward punishing the offender.New York Herald.

4. PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF NEW JERSEY.

The annual report of the State Superintendent of Public Schools of New Jersey, was lately presented to the Legislature. The following is an abstract:

The school system of New Jersey embraces the Normal and Model Schools at Trenton; the Farnum Preparatory School at Beverly; and 1,690 Public Schools, established in the various cities and townships of the state. The Normal School is reported to be more prosperous than ever before, and the number of pupils greater, being 140 at the last term, and 216 have been sent out for service as teachers. In the Model School the average attendance is 215. The whole number of pupils registered was 131,748; average attendance, 65,475. Total amount of money raised, $550,732,45. The school fund, January 1, was $441,769, being an increase of $10,474.

5. PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF PENNSYLVANIA. The annual Report of the State Superintendent of Schools, for the year ending June 6, 1859, and transmitted to the Governor Jan. 10, 1860, has been received. The number of Schools in the state, exclusive of Philadelphia, is 11,485; being 203 increase over the previous year, and 1,298 over the year 1854. There are 14,071 teachers, of whom 8,421 are males, and 5,640 females; of these, 1,013 are in the city of Philadelphia. The average salary of male teachers per month, is $24.36, of females, $17.79. The total number of pupils in the Common Schools, is 634,651. The entire amount expended for school purposes, including building expenses, is $2,579,075.77. The school system is growing in popular favor and efficiency, and the Superintendent, with his deputies in the counties, is zealously working to this end. The Lancaster County Normal School has been, during the year, officially recognized under the act of 1857 and the supplementary act of 1859. This is now in successful operation, under the direction of Prof. J. P. Wickersham. There is connected with it, an efficient Model School. Teachers' Institutes have been held in a number of counties, but they are entirely voluntary and receive no aid from the state. The Superin

tendent reports that "the county superintendency has been successful in exact proportion to the fitness and fidelity of the officers, modified in some instances by the inadequate compensation paid, or the persistent want of coöperation on the part of directors." average salary of these officers, is about $600.

ance at school.

ly

6. PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN TEXAS.

The

This State has no regular school system, nor can a country so sparsely settled as this have a very perfect one. There are no organized districts, and no laws about schools, except concerning the distribution of the public money, and reporting the scholastic population, and schools taught, etc. The State has appropriated two million dollars, and one-tenth of the annual State taxes, besides the land grant, as a school fund. The interest accruing from this is the general school fund, and is apportioned, every September, among the different counties, according to the scholastic population. The county courts then pay the tuition of orphans and children of indigent parents, not to exceed ten cents per day for actual attendfurnish the school buildings, and the teacher teaches at a regular All of the schools are, in fact, private schools. The public generaltuition per pupil, and receives his pay from his patrons, excepting the indigent pupils, and those who are at his option to take or not. The teacher must report to the county court the patrons of his school, and the number of days each patronizes, whether indigent or not, and gets the indigent tuition, and that is all he has to do with law, other than his own. The Schools generally commence in September, The general rates of tuition are the following: common country and continue forty weeks, and are divided into two equal sessions. schools, $1.50 to $2.00 per month; high schools (which are by far the greater portion), primary class, $15.00 to $20.00; music on piano, melodeon, or guitar, $20.00 to $25.00; languages, vocal music, painting, drawing, wax and fancy work, each $5.00 to $10.00 per

session, for twenty weeks.

the city schools more, according to their popularity. A teacher, to The country schools will average from fifteen to thirty pupils each; do well here, must not be shifting about, but stay in one place.

producing the good that they would, was there more unity. GeneralThere are some fine schools in the State, but none of them are ly, the sexes are separately educated, and the schools are the pets of the different churches, which, together, causes much discord. Paris, a city of two thousand inhabitants, has six different schools, and each for itself. Could they all be united into one good union school, there would soon be seen much difference in the pupils, though some of the present schools are highly spoken of.-Tribune and Telgraph.

7. THE FREE SCHOOLS OF WISCONSIN. The Milwaukie Democrat compiles the following summary from the report of the state school superintendent:-There are 3,538 school districts, 118 districts which have not reported; 1,611 parts of districts, 78 parts of districts which have not reported, and 657 school houses in joint districts. The average number of months that schools have been taught is five and a half; the whole number of children under four years of age who have attended school is 1,066, and of children over four and under twenty years of age, 2,914. The average number of months children between four and twenty years of age have attended school is four months and a half, and schools have been taught on an average by a male teacher three and a half months, and by a female teacher four months. The average amount of wages per month paid to male teachers has been $22 93, and to female teachers, $14 29. The total amount of money received from town and county treasurers and other sources is $441,058 99, and $536,860 66 have been paid for teachers' wages, $3,278 27 for libraries, and $147,175 54 expended for other purposes. $85,538 85 at the date of the report were unexpended, $227,672 06 had been raised by tax and expended for teachers' wages, $2,093 52 raised by tax and expended for district libraries, $144,328 99 raised by tax and expended on school houses, and $80,220 50 raised by tax and expended for other purposes. The total valuation of school-houses is $1,176,191 73, the highest valua tion of any school-house $20,000, and the lowest $25. There are 4,377 school-house sites which contain less than an acre, 3,301 school-house sites uninclosed, 1,047 schools without a black-board, and 3,314 schools without outline maps. There are 1,071 district libraries, 179 joint libraries, 41,997 volumes in all the libraries, and 51,062 volumes have been loaned during the year. $75 93 has been collected for library fines, and $18 43 of that amount has been expended. There are 210 select and private schools other than incorporated academies, and the average number of pupils attending such schools during the year is 9,772,

8. EDUCATION IN THE RED RIVER COLONY.

In a letter published in the Nor'-Wester, by Mr. James Ross, we take the following information respecting the educational status of the Colony :

The Red River Settlement is pretty equally divided between Protestants and Catholics-there being in round numbers, about 4,000 of each. Happily, there is perfect harmony and good feeling between both sections. We are so situated that there is no need to intermingle for educational purposes, and thus the lamentable feuds, which mar the usefulness of educational systems in other countries, have not germinated here as yet. In the Protestant section, there are six or seven day schools, at which both boys and girls attend. Were all the children to attend, it could be shown that there are not schools enough; and the fact that there is abundance of accomodation proves that the attendance is not as general as it should be. The once-famous "Red River Academy" has all but expired. It was really a credit to the country, and, though styled "Academy," would have compared favourably with many so-called "Colleges." Mr. Isbister, of London, whose attainments are admitted to be of a high order, was trained in this Academy. One who went directly to the University of Cambridge, took a scholarship at his first examination, held it during his Collegiate course, and graduated creditably. A second, who followed him a year later, ranked high in the examinations, but was prevented by illness from completing his course. A third went directly from it to the University of Toronto, took a scholarship at the first examination, took two the second year, held them for three years, and at the final examination obtained, besides a degree of B. A., two gold medals and one silver one. These are specimens of the students trained at the Red River Academy. Their success abroad must be attributed to previous training as well as to natural talent.

IV. Biographical Sketches.

No. 6. HENRY FISHER, ESQ.

(Late Chief Superintendent of Education for New Brunswick.) Death has again been in our midst, and on this occasion he has claimed a valuable victim. After an illness of nearly six weeks, which terminated in an abcess of the lungs, Henry Fisher, Esq., Chief Superintendent of Schools for the Province, and brother to the Attorney General, expired at his residence in this City on Wednesday morning, in the 48th year of his age. Mr. Fisher was a man of christian character, fine talents, and a most kind and amiable disposition. His friendships were strong and permanent, and his memory and judgment were seldom if ever defective.-A harsh word never escaped him, and well can we bear witness to the fact, that while his information was truly extensive, he never wished to remain oblivious of the faults or failings of those with whom he came in contact. Nearly two years ago the government appointed him Chief Superintendent of Schools, and from that period till the very day upon which he took his last illness at a Teacher's meeting in this city, he never ceased to prosecute his arduous and important duties with a zeal which scarcely knew any bounds, and which in conjunction with a rather weakly constitution, finally led to his premature dissolution. As a public speaker and writer Mr. Fisher had but few equals in the Province; and these gifts, with his untiring application and sound judgment rendered him a most valuable acquisition to the important office for which he had been selected. Instant in season and out of season at his post, he visited and lectured at almost every important station of the Province, during the short period of his official life, making friends among all classes of the community, and especially securing the good will and co-operation of that important one over which he had been appointed to preside. His loss, as a public man will long be felt throughout the country, while to those who knew him best, that loss will be felt most severely. Peace to his ashes! a kinder man or a more attached and sincere friend we have never known. He has left a widow, two sons, and a large circle of brothers, sisters, and more distant relatives, to lament his dissolution, yet to acknowledge that their loss is his everlasting gain.-New Brunswick Reporter, Feb. 3rd.

No. 7. THE HON. JAMES CROOKS. M.L.C. This gentleman died early on 2nd March, at his residence, in Flamboro' West, from the effects of a paralytic stroke. He has gone from amongst us, perhaps not so full of honor as of years, but highly esteemed and respected by all, for his manly, straightforward and honorable conduct through life. Mr. Crooks had long been prominent as a public man. He was a resident of Niagara

from about the year 1794, having emigrated from Scotland quite young. He was in business many years in this place as a merchant, and we recollect his remarking once to us that he sent the first load of wheat and the first load of flour ever shipped from Upper Canada to Montreal. It was shipped from Niagara. Mr. Crooks represented Niagara in the Upper Canada Parliament, before the war of 1812. During the war he was captain of a company of the 1st Lincoln Militia, and fought gallantly at Queenston and other places. He was subsequently raised to the Legislative Council, of which body he was a member for upwards of twenty-five years. He was thoroughly independent in his views, and favored neither party in the Legislature, but was generally found supporting all good measures. The Hon. Mr. Crooks established the first paper mill in this part of the Province, and carried it on successfully for many years; but he grew tired of business as old age wore on, and finally abandoned the paper-making business. The facilities at his command were limited, because the demand for paper was light, yet the Flamboro' paper mill supplied the wants of the entire community then; now the case is different, and such an establishment would do but little in keeping up a supply for the newspaper offices within range of the old mill. Having held his seat by nomination from the Crown, the death of Mr. Crooks will not cause an election. He was in the 82nd year of his age, having been born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, in 1778; his demise will be deeply and sincerely regretted by all who knew him.Hamilton Spectator and Niagara Mail.

No. 8. GEORGE BROUSE, ESQ.

Died at his residence Iroquois, on Sunday the 12th Feb., George Brouse, Esq., formerly M.P.P. for the County of Dundas, in the 71st year of his age. Over seventy years since, when the forest covered the bank of the St. Lawrence, the howl of the wolf, the bark of the fox, the heavy tread of the prowling bear, were matters of every day occurrence, was the subject of this notice born, on the very spot of ground where now stands the residence in which he breathed his last. He was the oldest merchant of Matilda; one of the oldest Post Masters in the Province;-was once a member of the Legislature of Upper Canada; was one of the most active and useful men in the County; the father of a large family, by whom he was fondly loved, -a kind neighbour, and a steadfast believer in the verities of the Christian Religion. So pass away the old men of our country. May the young men emulate their virtues.-Brockville Recorder.

No. 9. SIR WILLIAM NAPIER, K.C.B.

This gallant officer, whose death is announced, was born at Castletown, Ireland, in 1785. His father was Colonel the Honorable George Napier, and his mother the celebrated Sarah Lennox, daughter of the second Duke of Richmond. When but fifteen years of age, Sir William entered the army. He served at the siege of Copenhagen, followed Sir John Moore to the Spanish Peninsula in 1808, and was in command of the Forty-third Regiment at Salamanca, Nivelle, and Nive. The wounds which he received in the battles in which he was engaged, were emphatic proof of his daring and bravery as a soldier. For six years, from 1842 to 1848, when he was created a Military Knight, and became Colonel of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, Sir William was Governor of Guernsey. In 1851, he was advanced to the rank of Lieutenant-General. The intervals of leisure which he enjoyed were devoted to recording the history of the wars in which he had taken part. To his pen we are indebted for the "History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France, from the year 1807 to 1814." Against the current of popular and political prejudice, the work forced its way by its intrinsic fascinations, to the summit of public favour. The truth is, besides the genuine nationality of its object and its tone, there was a dignity in the treatment and a living verity in the descriptions, which led the mind unresistingly captive. Never before had such scenes been portrayed, nor with such wonderful coloring. The completion of this extraordinary work not only established Colonel Napier's fame as an author, but contributed probably, in conjunction with the brilliant services of his brother Charles, to improve even his professional position. He had indeed earned in the fair discharge of military duty all the promotion which now overtook him, for he had borne active and distinguished part throughout a protracted war, and was justly entitled to the gradual advancement reserved for its survivors. Sir William's devotion to the reputation of his brother is almost without a parallel. On this point he would brook no question at any hands. In the Ionian Islands, in India, in the command of a home district-wherever Sir Charles Napier was stationed, and whatever he did, his acts were right. The historian of the war in