412 



Henry and Richard Strachey, at that time employed upon an inquiry 

 into the physical geography of that and the adjoining Hill Pro- 

 vinces. The results of the labours of the Stracheys are well known, 

 through memoirs communicated to the Royal Geographical and Geo- 

 logical Societies. Colonel Madden was an active colleague to Cap- 

 tain Richard Strachey in the botanical branch of this survey ; and in 

 1848 he published the results of his observations in a very valuable 

 memoir on " The Turaee and outer mountains of Kumaoon," which 

 appeared in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. These 

 are spoken of by Dr Falconer as models of careful observation on the 

 geographical distribution of plants, and at the same time as rich in 

 illustrations, drawn from every department of a well-stored mind, 

 and a wide and varied range of literature. 



Hitherto, I have been speaking of Colonel Madden from the notes of 

 his attached friend Dr Falconer, and in reference to scientific attain- 

 ments and labours on which, you are all aware, that I am incompe- 

 tent to form, and d, fortiori^ to express an opinion. All of you who 

 knew him in social life, or in the Council meetings of the Royal So- 

 ciety, must remember with affectionate regret the gentleness of his 

 manner, and the unobtrusive modesty with which he gave his assist- 

 ance only when it was needed, and where he was sure of the preci- 

 sion of his knowledge. In respect to the highest wisdom, it appears 

 that from his youth he was actuated by that love of the true and 

 the good which constitutes the character of those who, if not actually 

 in, are at any rate not far from the kingdom of Heaven. Careful 

 and conscientious inquiry led him from doubt to conviction ; and his 

 latter years were spent under the influence of an assured faith and 

 a steady resolution to do the will of God. 



Such were some of those who have been taken from among us 

 in the course of the last year, and whose virtues and useful labours 

 will not be forgotten by those with whom they co-operated for the 

 advancement of science. 



I must now conclude my very imperfect performance of the task 

 imposed upon me by the Council, with the expression of a hope that, 

 on future occasions of the same kind, they may be more fortunate in 

 their choice, and obtain addresses more worthy of occupying the time 

 and attention of the Society. 



C. H. T. 



