THE BOTANISTS OF PHILADELPHIA. 215 



with this, for he purchased all valuable sets of plants, and 

 bestowed them upon the Academy. The tender and appre- 

 ciative minute adopted by it, and hereafter appended, is 

 but a fitting testimony to his usefulness and unselfish 

 devotion. 



Mr. Redfield lived for many years in one of the 

 pleasantest parts of Philadelphia and quite close to the 

 Academy. He made occasional botanical excursions, of 

 which notable ones were to the mountains of North 

 Carolina, in company with Dr. Gray and other botanists. 

 There could not have been a more delightfully cheering 

 and obliging traveling companion. In later years his 

 summers were spent on Mount Desert Island. The excel- 

 lent catalogue of its flora, lately published by Mr. Rand and 

 himself, attest his industry while there. 



It is impossible to speak too highly of Mr. Redfield's 

 personal character. Honorable, sincere, courteous, cheerful, 

 always ready to do a kind act or to say a gracious word, he 

 displayed that true nobility of character which comes of 

 right principle faithfully adhered to, yet without a trace of 

 aceticism or austerity. 



After some weeks of failing health, he died on the 

 27th of February, 1895, in the eightieth year of his age. 



A beautiful western grass, the Redfiddia flexuosa, com- 

 memorates his name and services. 



The Academy of Natural Sciences adopted the follow- 

 ing minute : 



" The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia has 

 heard with deep sorrow the announcement of the death of 

 John H. Redfield, who, in his unselfish devotion to its 

 interests has long been one of its most active benefactors. 



