Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 23.djvu/715

Rh grooves in which it ran, and if on returning to Rockfield, after the worries of the office or the hardships of the forest, there had been more of the attractions of home, his life would have been happier and possibly even longer than it was. . . . Earnestness and singleness of purpose were among the most marked features of Sir William's character. From the time that he began the geological survey until the day of his death, the great aim which was perpetually before him was to thoroughly elucidate the geology of Canada, and to render the knowledge acquired subservient to the practical purposes of life and to the advancement of his native country. He was continually beset with requests to examine and report upon mines in various parts of the country, but invariably refused unless he felt that the information derived would be of advantage to the public. Nor would he, on any such occasion, accept of remuneration for his services. Any bona fide attempt on the part of individuals or companies to develop the mineral resources of the country was sure of his encouragement and advice if asked for; but the impostors who tried to palm off "salted" mines or impossible geological discoveries upon the unsuspecting public he despised, and always took an intense pleasure in exposing their schemes. . ..

"Sir William had little capacity for literary work, and, although he usually expressed himself with precision and force, his style was lacking in ease and gracefulness. Fine writing, however, was not his object, but rather to describe in simple language the results of observations in the field. . . . As he advanced in life, he found the work of composition more and more arduous. For some years before his death he contributed nothing to the literature of science, and even ordinary correspondence became increasingly distasteful to him."

Logan was a member of more than a dozen learned societies; his degree of LL. D. was bestowed by McGill University in 1856, and that of D. C. L. by the University of Lennoxville the year before. Over twenty medals, and various other testimonials, show the esteem in which his work was held. His most important writings have already been mentioned; some other papers were, "On the Footprints occurring in the Potsdam Sandstone of Canada," "On the Division of the Azoic Rocks of Canada into Huronian and Laurentian," "Considerations relating to the Quebec Group and the Upper Copper-bearing Rocks of Lake Superior," etc.