The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. 



was the forerunner of many publications of the greatest value 

 to our agricultural communities. 



Before the Committees on Agriculture, of the House of 

 Commons, and in every direction whence assistance might be 

 expected, he agitated and pressed for the establishment of per- 

 manent experiment stations equipped with a staff qualified to 

 undertake and maintain the work, which to him seemed so im- 

 peratively demanded in the best interests of the community, it 

 was therefore a great tritimph and cause of joy for him, when the 

 Experimental Farms were established, and he received the posi- 

 tion of Entomologist and Botanist which he so successfully occu- 

 pied for more than twenty-one years, making for himself a world- 

 wide reputation as a leader in such work. 



Thorough and painstaking in his investigations, though 

 hampered always by inadequate quarters and insufficient assis- 

 tance, he had also the ability to present the results in an 

 attractive and simple manner. His position required him 

 yearly to make extensive journeys throughout the Dominion 

 and to address audiences of very varied aims and capacities. 

 He also frequently lectured before learned societies, and 

 delivered addresses to schools and organizations of divers 

 kinds, and having been present on many such occasions I can 

 testify that he invariably charmed his hearers by the simple, 

 yet graphic presentation of his subject combined with his fine 

 voice, his pleasing presence and his genial manner. 



It is unnecessary to dwell upon the value of his^ official work, 

 but a quotation may be made from an important address deliv- 

 ered by Dr. Howard, as President of the Association of Economic 

 Entomologists in 1894. "Mr. Fletcher," he said," has shown 

 himself to be a man of extraordinary energy, a most entertaining 

 writer and a most careful observer and one who has always kept 

 the practical part of his work foremost in view. He has paid a 

 great deal of attention to a side of his work which is neglected by 

 many of our own official entomologists, namely, personal inter- 

 course with farmers, frequent talks on injurious insects at farmers' 

 institutes, etc., and has in this way built up a A'-ery large client- 

 age among the most intelligent agriculturists in the Dominion." 



Soon after the foundation of the Royal Society of Canada he 

 was elected a fellow of Section IV, of which he was later President. 

 He was an active worker for the society, holding for some time 

 the Treasureship and then the laborious and responsible office 

 of Hon. Secretary. He was also a member of, and held office in, 

 several other scientific bodies, whose work we frequently dis- 

 cussed together, but which cannot be further referred to at 

 present. 



