James.] 338 [February. 



at first indicated a genus to his name of a Californian plant on imper- 

 fect specimens, but upon obtaining good flowering plants, it proved 

 to be only a species of Styras. (Styrax Californica, n. sp.) 



Nothing daunted, however, Dr. Torrey determined that there should 

 be established a genus suitable to such an honor, and seized the 

 opportunity of dedicating a new pitcher plant, detected in Upper 

 Sacramento, California, which proved to be generically distinct 

 from Sarracenia, as well as Heliamphora, and which he remarks, ''I 

 take pleasure in dedicating it to my highly esteemed friend, Dr. 

 William Darlington, of West Chester, in Pennsylvania, whose valua- 

 ble botanical works have contributed so largely to the scientific 

 reputation of our country." And thus it now stands firmly estab- 

 lished, the Darlmytouia, with one species thus far known, the Cali- 

 fornica. He was very desirous of seeing a living specimen of this 

 plant, but his wish was not gatified ; he, however, had the satisfaction 

 of knowing, a few days prior to his decease, that Dr. Gray had suc- 

 ceeded in raising a plant from seed, at the botanic garden at Cam- 

 bridge. 



Dr. Darlington projected a Natural History Society, which, in con- 

 junction with a few friends, was organized on the 18th of March, 

 1826, by the name of the Chester County Cabinet of Natural Science, 

 to which institution he was elected president, filling that oflSce during 

 his life. For thirty-seven years he labored assiduously for its welfare, 

 devoting much time and energy by addresses and writings to awaken 

 a general interest in the subjects connected with it. Drawing around 

 him a few congenial spirits, he hoped to illustrate thoroughly the 

 natural history of his native county, taking for his model White's 

 History of Selborne, which he particularly admired. This plan has 

 been partially carried out, and collections made, but only the botani- 

 cal portion has been published. 



He bequeathed to this institution his valuable library of botanical 

 books and his Herbarium, containing the treasures of his life-long 

 labors in that science. This he rearranged only a few years ago, adding 

 the .synonymes of each plant, thus facilitating the research of fu- 

 ture botanists. He asserted that its eight thousand species were so 

 completely catalogued and arranged according to their natural affini- 

 ties, that any one of them could be promptly exhibited on demand. 



He was chosen President of the Chester County Athenseum, in 

 1831, and by his services rendered that institution valuable assist- 

 ance. 



Making the acquaintance of a Castilian gentleman, residing in 



