224 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Jan. 



cher's scientific attainments or of his position in the field of 

 science, as Dr. Saunders, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Gibson and 

 others who have preceded me, are able to do and have done to- 

 night, but I have had ample opportunity of observing many of the 

 lovely qualities of his nature which are not apparent in the broad- 

 side of action, as presented to the public ; those inborn permanent 

 characteristics which neither time, nor circumstances in life can 

 eradicate or alter, and, which endeared him to his family and 

 friends and made his home life so happy and joyous. His pain at 

 the distress of his friends — his pleasure at their success — his 

 ready self-denial for their pleasure and profit — his love for little 

 children and of innocence in every form, and a thousand other 

 evidences of gentle soul and those rarer human virtues which only 

 a great soul has power to arouse, constituted the adornment and 

 great charm of his life and are now the consolation of those who 

 knew him best and loved him most. 



I was not aware that Dr. Fletcher was ill at all and the news 

 of his death came to me in New York, where I was at the time, as 

 a most grevious shock and surprise. He was buried before I 

 could return. I was therefore denied the privilege of even looking 

 upon him in death or of following his remains to. the grave. I am 

 glad, however, to be at this memorial meeting and to be allowed 

 to add a word to the many beautiful encomiums of the evening on 

 his life and activities, and to express the deepest regret and 

 sorrow at his early death. 



Mr. Wm. J. Topley: — 



Although it is late, I must claim a few moments to add my 

 tribute. While I haA^e listened to the loving words, to the glow- 

 ing testimonies of his intimate associates, I am impressed with 

 this thought; the lesson of this evening is, that Love rules the 

 world, that we should realize that often it is just as easy to do a 

 kindness as to neglect the opportunity ; that the influence of lov- 

 ing deeds habitually performed is almost limitless. 



My first impressions of Dr. Fletcher date from 1876. My 

 attendance at excursions and lectures increased my admiration 

 and later, during the work of making a photographic record of 

 some of our forest trees, I was much interested in marking his 

 preparation and provision to record systematically, every 

 observation in his line of work, even those outside our work 

 in hand. On several occasions I have brought visitors to the 

 Experimental Farm, sometimes to obtain advice from Dr. 

 Fletcher, and in the getting of it, was magnetized by his inspiring 

 personality. Whatever may be the future of this institution, we 

 of Ottawa are justly proud of the efficiency of the staff, the 



