8 WILLIAM GILSON FARLOW— SETCHELL [MEMOIBS [vo™ 



always with books or manuscript under his arm, was distinctive and could easily be recognized 

 as far as it could be seen. His downward, sidewise glance, seemingly furtive but really diffi- 

 dent when one came to realize its significance, was keen, and there was little that escaped it. 

 The beginning of his conversation was often abrupt, but passed on into a monologue when 

 discussing a problem or recent occurrences in the botanical world, which ended usually with 

 some interrogation, often disconcerting as to whether an answer was demanded or not. Often 

 some query on the part of others was greeted with a laugh or chuckle, which frequently placed 

 his listeners more or less hors de combat and demanded further explanation or discussion. His 

 ejaculations of surprise or incredulity were characteristic. Very commonly he would say: 

 "Mercy! Bless my soul! I wonder where we are coming to when so-and-so puts forth such 

 a view." Occasionally when he had some puzzling plant before him he would come over to 

 our laboratory table and, laying down the specimen, say: "I will give any one of you 5 cents 

 if you will tell me what this is." Many such a problem was placed before us, and we wrestled 

 with it mightily, but seldom were we able to win the munificent reward, although at times 

 we were given what we were much the more anxious to obtain, viz, his recognition of merit in 

 our suggestions. This recognition was difficult of complete affirmation, since his critical mind 

 interposed every possible objection, and the attainment of even partial approval was the result 

 of a strenuous elimination of all that could not be sturdily and properly maintained. This 

 method begot caution about accepting evidence unless of the most definite and pertinent 

 variety. The alternative views he presented during such discussions, the keenness with which 

 he detected flaws in the arguments presented, or the merciless fashion in which he carried 

 some point raised to its logical and usually absurd or irrelevant conclusion, all these character- 

 ized the workings of his mind and made a profound and, if viewed properly, a most profitable 

 impression on his associates. Many there were who misunderstood his extremely critical atti- 

 tude, his witticisms, and his lack of acceptance of any pronounced opinion, even of his own, 

 but those who came in daily contact with him soon learned to estimate them at their true worth 

 and to welcome them as leading to the truth as nearly as it might be possible to approximate 

 to it. To his students Farlow, while critical of their endeavor, was always sympathetic, even 

 to those who least appreciated his efforts. Many a student received material aid, either 

 directly or indirectly, and found him most embarrassed, seeming even cynical, when he 

 attempted to express his appreciation. I remember the case of one assistant who married 

 during vacation time and chose for his wife a young woman as poor as himself. Farlow was 

 much excited and said to me: "Mercy! Bless my soul! What do you think has happened? 

 I have just been informed that X has been married. He only receives $500 for the next year 

 and no prospect of any more for I don't know how many years. What are we coming to?" 

 This was accompanied by a look which showed his concern and despair. X, however, seemed 

 to manage and soon passed on from Harvard to a position yielding at least more than $500, 

 but Farlow gave no sign of having intervened. This case is typical. 



In spite of differences of opinion as to the value of certain methods of work and the kind of 

 results obtained, Farlow was always willing to look up points in literature and material for 

 others and spent much of his time and energy in doing so, although often ill repaid in the final 

 outcome. He was earnest rather than outwardly enthusiastic, but the attention he gave to 

 details and larger points for those who desired to do good work was more significant than any 

 amount of outward approval or compliment. He was a kind friend and counselor, although he 

 seldom gave direct advice and his assistance, other than in direct line of his subject, was indirect 

 and unobtrusive. As a host he was perfect, and at the gatherings at his rooms, or later in his 

 own home, he knew how to draw out even the most diffident to join in the conversation and to 

 feel at ease. He made the treasures of his library and his collections available, but always with 

 circumspect reserve, to his students and visiting specialists, ever with due respect to their care 

 and preservation. On the treasures of his mind, which were enormous, one could always draw 

 and no one ever came away from a visit to him without added profit and comfort. His retentive 

 memory and the breadth of his reading and acquisitive instinct made his knowledge encyclopedic 

 in extent and his mastery of detail, without loss of coordination, was simply marvelous. At no 



