CHARACTERISTICS 177 



classic and are often referred to by subsequent writers on palaeo- 

 botany. 



During the progress of the Fossil Flora Lindley amassed a 

 considerable collection of specimens, some of which have recently 

 come to light in the cellars of University College. He was 

 obliged however to abandon this branch of study as it threatened 

 to distract his attention from other departments of botany. 



Personal Characteristics. 



In as much as it is our custom to erect none but the slightest 

 and most casual memorials to our distinguished men of science 

 or of letters, there is reason to rejoice that the name of Lindley 

 is not inadequately commemorated. 



The Lindley Library purchased in his honour and now 

 permanently attached to the Royal Horticultural Society bids 

 fair under the enlightened policy of that flourishing institution 

 to grow into a great collection of horticultural works. The 

 genus Lindleya is reminiscent to systematists of their great 

 colleague and the name of Lindley is known and honoured by 

 all our horticulturists. Of the man himself just so much may 

 be said as to give form to the mind's image of him. 



He was of middle height, active, upright, with shoulders 

 somewhat sloping and of heavy tread. The sightlessness of one 

 eye gave to his resolute face a somewhat strange look. Simple 

 in habits, strenuous in work and perspicacious in judgment, John 

 Lindley was a warm hearted and generous friend, particularly 

 to young botanists. He was a powerful foe : altogether a 

 masterful and remarkable man. Not suffering fools gladly yet 

 with a humorous turn of mind: "I am a dandy in my herbarium," 

 he once exclaimed to Reichenbach. Knowing no fear he could 

 not hope for much favour, and yet carrying his heavy load of 

 financial responsibility, he nevertheless won through to a wide 

 measure of contemporary recognition and an assured place in 

 the history of botanical science. To conclude with Reichenbach's 

 fine tribute " we cannot tell how long Botany, how long science, 

 will be pursued ; but we may affirm that so long as a knowledge 

 of plants is considered necessary, so long will Lindley's name be 

 remembered with gratitude." 



o. B. 12 



