Smith, Titus
Nova Scotia Institute of Science Hllof fame, 2013.
“Born in Massachusetts, emigrated to NS with his loyalist family in 1783 (age 15). Land surveyor and cartographer, producing fine maps of NS, but also known widely as an agriculturist, botanist, natural historian. An early natural resources ecologist and advocate, he was about a century ahead of his time in declaring that “progress” achieved by unchecked industrialization was just a scheme to create fortunes while destroying the lives of its human operatives and prospects for survival.”
Into the wilderness: rediscovering Titus Smith Jr’s philosophy of nature
RH Field 2020. Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science (2020)
Arboretum Nova Scotia: Titus Smith Jr.’s Observations of the nature and uses of trees
RH Field 2023. Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science (2023)
Titus Smith
in Canadian Encyclopedia. “Titus Smith, naturalist, surveyor, traveller, agriculturist (b at Granby, Mass 4 Sept 1768; d at Dutch Village near Halifax 4 Jan 1850). To his innate interest in all natural studies, Smith brought a mind well schooled in botany and a keen interest in the conservation of animal and plant life. He became well known to his contemporaries first through his one-man expedition around NS reporting to Gov Wentworth on the colony’s resources. Later he acclimatized seeds and sold improved varieties that he introduced into British N America. Smith testified before Lord DURHAM’s investigation in 1839 concerning conditions in NS, and served 1841-50 as secretary to the Central Board of Agriculture. With his writings in the press and his lectures to the Mechanics’ Institute, his name became a household word and his advice was sought on diverse subjects. Smith advocated careful use of resources and a commonsense approach to problems of agriculture and forest management.”
Titus Smith, A Pioneer of Plant Ecology in North America
Eville Gorham Ecology Vol. 36, No. 1 (Jan., 1955),
Titus Smith Jr. and the Unity of Nature: Environmental Advocacy in Early 19th Century Nova Scotia
R. Field, 2019. In Proceedings of the Nova Scotia Institute of Science 15 March 2019
`As scientists try to understand and predict the global consequences of climate change, the early environmental advocacy of Titus Smith Jr. (1768-1850) seems more relevant than ever. Smith’s concept that industrial capitalism was disrupting the interlocking associations between humans and nature represented an alternate narrative that characterised the first wave of 19th century environmentalism in Nova Scotia. A study of Smith also enhances our knowledge about the beginnings of preservationist…
The Talented Mr. Smith
By Terry Punch in Saltscapes Magazine. No Date.