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Many histories of many lands have been written, but this history of Canada, “Under the Lily and the Rose,” is certainly novel in the form of its presentation. It purports to be, as its gifted author describes it: “suitable to read to children as an introduction to Canadian history before they begin to study the ordinary text books.” In my schooldays there was no such happy road to the study of Canadian history, and I commend this book to the parent of any child who wishes to learn something of the exploits, adventure and romance of that northern part of North America now known as the Dominion of Canada. A knowledge of history is the hallmark of a well-educated man, and it is a very real contribution to the understanding of present-day problems, for “history always repeats itself.” To the traveller who knows his history well, the joys of journeying in places familiar to him through the associations of the mind give life a new impetus and wanderings a real value. History, if it colour the life of the traveller, if it enhance the knowledge of the student, is above all essential to the citizen. To those who live in Canada, or who would make Canada with her potential greatness their future home, this book has a particular appeal. It should be read to and later read by every Canadian child. It has been written by one who is well equipped to tell the story of Canada through his long association as Keeper of the Public Records of the Dominion.

It is right I should refer to the Canadian History Society, founded in London in 1923, as this work appears under its auspices. The Society has for its objects the collection of papers for the Canadian Archives, and the stimulation of interest in the History of Canada. Through the years biographies have been published, memorials have been erected, and documents have been gathered. It has as its Patron, H.M. the King; and as its President, H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught. The Duke of Connaught went to Canada first as a young officer in the Rifle Brigade, and returned in later years as Governor-General. Through his long life he has never failed to interest himself in the well-being and welfare of the Canadian people. It may be some satisfaction to him to know that in no part of the world is he held in greater regard and affection than in the Dominion he knows so well. The Vice-President, Mary Countess of Minto, is the widow of the fourth Earl, who was Governor-General of Canada from 1898 to 1904. Lord Minto’s Governor-Generalship was of particular interest to students of history, for to his leadership and inspiration the Canadian Archives owes its inception. The Council of the Families, who interest themselves in the affairs of the Society, have at their head the Duke of Devonshire, Governor-General from 1916 to 1921, and include a long list of illustrious names, all of whose forbears have in some way or other contributed to the upbuilding of Canada.

I have said that it should be read by children. But in the form in which it is presented, in its charming narrative style supplemented by beautiful illustrations, it would repay perusal by many who have long passed the days of childhood. To them, if they be unfamiliar with the romance it unfolds, it may serve to kindle a new interest in the land of Cartier and Champlain, in the land of the United Empire Loyalist, in the land of the prairies, the land of the mountains, and the land of the golden west. It is indeed a land to write about, to read of and to live for, and to all who would wish to know more of it, I recommend this book.

CAMPBELL STUART

Chairman of the Executive Committee

of The Canadian History Society.

January 1st, 1931.

39, Princes Gate,

London.