38 
But we are not to consider ourselves alone. We expect that 
long after all of us have followed the great botanist, young bot- 
anists will join the Torrey Botanical Club. These may ask, as it 
is right they should, “‘ What manner of man was this whose name 
you bear?”—What answer shall we leave to them? As to his 
scientific attainments, his works stand in witness. For the rest we 
may say that he was in the highest, broadest, fullest, truest sense 
a Christian gentleman. I know no word that seems better to 
express his character. What student, however young or unknown 
ever came to him for aid or advice and went away unsatisfied ? 
What older botanist ever claimed that he had been overreached by 
him? Who ever coupled scientific unfairness—for there is such a 
thing—with the name of Torrey? Who in coming here to meet 
him ever stopped to consider in what mood he should find him? 
Was there not always the same welcome to all? The same genial 
presence ever prevaded these rooms, and though we know it will 
come no more, has left a fragrance of memories that time can 
never remove. 
_ Not only in his works will the name of Torrey live while our 
science is studied, but his name will be perpetuated so long as our 
present vegetation endures. The genera dedicated to many eml- 
nent botanists are represented by, if not insignificant, at least not 
noticeable plants, In this respect our friend was more fortunate. 
Many years ago an evergreen of Florida, related to the yew, was 
given the name of Torreya. Previously to this at least two other 
plants were dedicated to him, but it was found that they were 
genera made without sufficiently distinct characters and fortunately 
one of our aig eect trees could undisputedly bear this 
worthy name. For many years the Florida Torreya (7. taxifolia) 
was the only known species, but later discoveries have shown that 
the genus is represented in widely separated countries. Besides the 
original species in Florida, there is one in Californa, another in Ja- 
pan, a third in China, and if recent European announcements are 
well founded, still another in the Bogotan Andes. Long after we 
shall have passed away and perhaps our association be forgotten, 
these evergreen forests in our own land and in far distant countries 
will keep alive the name which we now proudly and affectionately 
bear as the title of our Club. 
Gentlemen, we have been incorporated under the name of one 
whom we hoped would be spared many years to receive the select- 
est honors we could bestow. His departure left a vacancy that 
none of us feels he can adequately fill. You have chosen to the 
chair that he would have occupied one who has these many years 
sat at his feet an humble follower, a loving pupil. igcermpedl 
No matter who may be called away, the ‘airs of the world go 0” 
However great a vacancy may be left, some one is chosen to 1 it 
No one can feel more acutely than the present incumbent how un 
_ worthy he is to fill the place to which you have chosen him. © 
‘can only endeayor by devotion to the good of the Club to leave you 
no occasion to regret your choice, | - 
