124 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN. 



sen our local affections and interests. Whether it be due 

 to the intensity of our modern life in what are called prac- 

 tical directions, leaving little leisure for the nurture of the 

 finer sentiments of life, whether it be the increased facility 

 of inter-communication which tends to broaden, rather than 

 localize, our personal life, or the cosmopolitanism of the 

 press which makes us all, in spite of ourselves, citizeos of 

 the world, and compels our attention to the world's larger 

 stage of action, — whatever it be, I think the result is to'be 

 observed; and it is a pleasure to be reminded by this gen- 

 erous creation of Mr. Shaw, of what it is to give back to 

 St. Louis in some form, some portion of what she has so 

 bountifully given to us. 



It is of minor importance in what shape or direction such 

 a feeling manifests itself, nor is it dependent on great 

 gifts, but it is of importance that all our professions of 

 love and interest in our city should take form, — not in 

 words, but by working together in ways that, year by 

 year, advance her in some degree, however small, in those 

 countless ways that make up what we call civilization. 



An occasion like this presents the opportunity for only 

 the briefest expression of the thoughts which arise, and I 

 must not detain you. Again and again, through the years 

 to come, words of commendation will be spoken at these 

 annual meetings, justly honoring Mr. Shaw and honoring 

 his work. May we who knew him for many years, put 

 upon record our appreciation of the great influence of his 

 long, serene and simple life, and of the grand purpose in 

 which it culminated. It was like one of those perfect 

 summer days in which he loved to walk in reverent friend- 

 ship with the flowers. 



His twelve long hours, 

 Bright to the edge of darkness ; then the calm 

 Repose of twilight,— and a crown of stars. 



