s's passion for astronomy was
astonishing, and that his nights were consumed in the study. Yet
his days also were spent in enlarging his literary attainments. But
with all this labour, Wills never disregarded the commoner duties
and virtues of life. Even at the breakfast-table he was as neat and
clean as a woman. At the ball, of which he was as fond as a child,
he was scrupulously temperate, and in speech pure as a lady. Wills
read Sharon Turner, Hazlitt, Pope, Wordsworth, Tennyson, and
commented on all. Of Tennyson's In Memoriam he said it was
wonderful for its frequent bordering on faults without ever
reaching them. He was a student of literature as well as of
astronomy and science. Much intercourse they had had, and when the
lecturer heard of his death he felt glad that nothing existed for
recrimination or self condemnation. Wills was a great admirer of
Shakespeare, and his remarks on that author were original and
striking. This tribute the lecturer would lay upon his friend's
bust, and humble though the offering was he felt it would be
accepted. The lecturer with much feeling concluded a peroration of
eloquent eulogy upon his deceased friend, amid the loud and
prolonged applause of the audience, who had cheered him at frequent
intervals throughout the whole of his discourse.

Mr. McDowall moved a vote of thanks to the lecturer, seconded by
Mr. Dimant, both gentlemen highly complimenting Mr. Birnie for his
kindness in giving his services on the occasion.

The vote was carried by acclamation, and Mr. Birnie, in
acknowledging it, implored the audience not to let the movement die
away. The proposed monument could not be too good for the fame of
the heroic explorers, and particularly as commemorating the
patient, pious, unselfish manliness of Wills to the latest moment
of his life. (Cheers.)

The proceedings then closed.

. . .

In his ordinary letters to me, and in his journals of
the Expedition, which he knew were likely to become public
documents, my son seldom or never touched upon the all-important
subject of religion. This has given rise to an opinion broadly
hinted in Australia by some, and of course believed by more, that
he was either a sceptic or a downright infidel. Nothing could be
further from the truth. His mother's love had instructed him early
and zealously in the doctrines of Christianity, and prepared his
mind for a conviction of their divine truth when he reached an age
which would enable him