In presenting the public with the first volume of the collections of the Nova Scotia Historical Society no apology will be necessary. The objects of an organization of this kind are so varied and difficult of attainment that it is only after years of united action that we can expect to reach even an average position. Some of the great societies of the United States have been in operation nearly a century, yet no doubt they are still far below their own ideal. Few persons except those who have made the attempt are aware of the difficulties which beset the early years of an organization of this kind. Interesting, not to say learned publications, are only the products of minds thoroughly trained and enthusiastic in historical and antiquarian pursuits, and more than that, work of this kind can only be done in the blaze of the light of great collections of books, pamphlets, manuscript, c., bearing on the subject under examination. When it is understood that no attempt, of a public nature has yet been made in Nova Scotia, except that of the Historical Society, to get together such a collection, it will be seen why the present volume is so imperfect. However, we hope to accomplish what we have undertaken, and to rouse up a deep interest in the singularly rich and romantic history of Acadia. To do this it will be necessary that all should assist; some with labor, others with funds, all with means as they are able. So far the society has nothing to complain of but much to be thankful for, and the history of the first year of its existence would seem to augur that future publications will be more worthy of public confidence and support.

OBJECTS OF COLLECTION DESIRED

1. Manuscript statements and narratives of pioneer settlers, old letters and journals relative to the early history and settlement of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, and the war of 1776 and 1812 ; biographical notes of our pioneers and of eminent citizens deceased, and facts illustrative of our Indian tribes, their history, characteristics, sketches of their prominent chiefs, orators and warriors, together with contributions of Indian implements, dress, ornaments and curiosities.

2. Diaries, narratives and documents relative to the Loyalists, their expulsion from the old colonies and their settlement in the Maritime Provinces.

3. Files of newspapers, books, pamphlets, college catalogues, minutes of ecclesiastical conventions, associations, conferences and synods, and all other publications relating to this Province, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

4. Drawings and descriptions of our ancient mounds and fortifications, their size, representation and locality.

5. Information respecting articles of Pre-Historic Antiquities especially implements of copper, stone, or ancient coin or other curiosities found in any of the Maritime Provinces, together with the locality and condition of their discovery. The contribution of all such articles to the cabinet of the society is most earnestly desired.

6. Indian geographical names of streams and localities with their signification and all information generally, respecting the condition, language and history of the Micmac, Malicetes and Bethucks.

7. Books of all kinds, especially such as relate to Canadian history, travels, and biography in general, and Lower Canada, or Quebec in particular, family genealogies, old magazines, pamphlets, files of newspapers, maps, historical manuscripts, autographs of distinguished persons, coins, medals, paintings, portraits, statuary and engravings.

8. We solicit from Historical Societies and other learned bodies that interchange of books and other materials by which the usefulness of institutions of this nature is so essentially enhanced, pledging ourselves to repay such contributions by acts in kind to the best of our ability.

9. The Society particularly begs the favor and compliments of authors and publishers, to present with their autographs copies of their respective works for its library.

10. Editors and publishers of newspapers, magazines, and reviews will confer a lasting favor on the Society, by contributing their publications regularly for its library where they may be expected to be found always on file and carefully preserved. We aim to obtain and preserve for those who shall come after us a perfect copy of every book, pamphlet, or paper ever printed in or about Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.

11. Nova Scotians residing abroad have it in their power to render their native province great service by making donations to our library of books, pamphlets, manuscripts, &c. bearing on any of the Provinces of the Dominion, or Newfoundland. To the relatives, descendents, &c., of our colonial governors, we especially appeal on behalf of our society for all papers, books, pamphlets, letters, &c., which may throw light on the istory of any of the Provinces of the Dominion.

Volumes