BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF M. S. BEBB. 31 



SO that the disposition he then made of the Pacific Coast 

 species has required but few modifications in the light of 

 subsequent investigations. 



From this time Mr. Bebb continued to devote his studies 

 to the North American Willows, in knowledge of which he 

 became the undisputed master. 



He contributed the articles on Salix in the sixth edition 

 of Gray's Manual, in Rothrock's Eeport, and in Coville's 

 Botany of Death Valley; indeed in most recent papers, great 

 and small, in which the willows are included, Mr. Bebb's 

 ready help has been resorted to. Many valuable papers 

 on this genus from his pen have appeared in the botanical 

 journals, the last series having been just concluded in 

 Garden and Forest. He had in preparation a Monograph of 

 the North American Willows, but it was probably not left in 

 a state sufficiently complete for publication. This is greatly 

 to be regretted, for another will not be easily found who will 

 be willing to undertake the long and patient study necessary 

 to the attainment of that critical knowledge needed for the 

 completion of the work Mr. Bebb has left unfinished. 



Mr. Bebb possessed a most attractive personality, which 

 was a true index to his character. To spotless integrity and 

 honor he added an engaging geniality and kindness. The 

 stores of his knowledge were freely opened to all. He was a 

 ready and most interesting conversationalist, but his modest 

 and simple tastes preferred the companionship of home or of 

 a few congenial friends, to the turmoil of general society. 

 He was skillful both with pen and pencil, the latter ability 

 being attested by the many accurate drawings with which he 

 enriched his invaluable herbarium of willows. His services 

 to botany are commemorated by the genus Bebbia, founded 

 by Prof. Greene, a shrubby composite of the arid regions of 

 southeastern California and Arizona. 



The death of Mr. Bebb leaves but one or two yet surviving 

 of that famous group of American botanists of which Dr. 

 Gray was the honored head. Their work makes easier that 

 of their successors, and on it the edifice of American botany 

 must be built, whatever may be the fashion of its archi- 

 tecture. 



