Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-02-18
Henry G. vennor, F. G. s.

| Prof. Henry G.. Vennor, whose name
is now upon every tongue in England
and America, was born in the city Of
Montreal Canada. in the year 1910.
He was educated at the High School.
Montreal and subsequently took the
geological and Geological course at Nc
| Gill College, the Principal of which was
the celebrated Prof. Dawson.
| Mr.. Vennor soon became we'll known
as a writer on these subjects in several
Canadian publications.. and attracted
much attention from men Of scientific at
tainments and those learned in other
matters
In the year 1860, Mr. Vennor EN-
barked in commercial pursuits. and con-
tinued to be so engaged for five years.
During this period be devoted all his
spare time and holidays, and much that
could not well be spared. to the study Of
ornishology in which he became deeply
interested, and now, as an ornithologist,
ranks second only to the memorable Au-
dobon, Of the United States Mr., Ven
nor made large collection Of Canadian
birds. The most Of these we're obtained
in the hours of the very early morning,
long before the business of the city COM
menced, and not few we're collected in
in the environs of Montreal Many
day. ere the sun had gilded the horizon,
the devoted and interchangeable student
had secured several of the rarest and
most valuable of his specimens
In 1865 the subject of our sketch was
appointed by Sir w. r. Logan to assist
in the geological explorations of Canada,
and before the close of the year had ex-
hibited such knowledge and efficiency.
that he was made a permanent member
of the survey.
In 1870 Prof Vennor was made
Fellow of the Geological Survey of Lon
don, England--an honor rarely CONFER
upon any man of the carly age Of thirty.
During all these years, while in pursuit
of birds, and while making his surveys,
Mr.. Vennor kept his weather-eye wide
open, observing the indications Of the
winds, clouds, and all things that could
afford reliable data for inference or cal
culation.
In 1875 he made his first public pre-
diction in Montreal, calling for rain on
New Years Day following. Although
quite daring assumption, and at tho
same time seemingly improbable. it was
subsequently fully borne out by the
facts.
In 1876 Prof. Vennor published "Our
Birds of Prey" which was one Of the
first illustrated works ever given to the
public on Canadian natural history. Il
met with an extended sale, and was
highly approved by the leading orni-
biologists of England and the United
States. Since that time he has pub
lished four almanaes, all of which have
been rewarded with remarkable success.
Like the most Of men who have en-
lightened the world on matters of science
and other abstruse subjects, Prof. Ven
nor commenced life without fortune or
prestige. Relying solely upon his own
unaided efforts, and prosecuting the OBJ
jects be had in view, with will and an
energy which knew neither tagging nor
cessation, he finds himself to-day at the
early age Of forty, the most famous man
in the two hemispheres. In nothing
more than tho weather do the great mass
Of mankind feel a greater or more con-
slant interest II is the first thought
that takes possession of ones mind upon
rising in the morning, and about the last
that engages his attention before retiring
at night. Now ii is the one universal
question on the street cars, upon the
pavements, in the parlor, the counting
room and on 'Change-what does Ven
nor predict for next week or next month
The navigator, the farmer, the gardener
in fact all classes, conditions and kinds
Of people base all their plans aud calcu-
lations upon the state Of the weather,
both present and prospective.
Many jokes have been cracked" at
Mr.. Vennor's expense, and many have
been disposed 10 view with apparent I'M
concern his predictions. Many assert
that he has no fixed or definite methods
by which he forotells with such remark
able accuracy the coming heat, snow,
rain aud frost This, however, is an IL
liberal and doubling world at best. and
Mr. Vennor can well afford to bide bis
time for n thorough vindication Of all
that bo has 20 far claimed. We have
the most reliable authority for stating
that all the knowledge be possesses Of
tho weather is the result Of close, intense
application. Nothing is mere hap-hsz-
ard or guess ork.-Bcltigoreaa
A iranscendental preacher took for