XX A BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE OF 



for LeCoute perhaps hampered him at times, as he endeavored always 

 to gloss over any lapsus LeConte may have made. I am not aware 

 that he introduced any particular improvements in the study of Co- 

 leoptera, except, perhaps, that of constantly giving brief synoptic 

 tables of genera and species based upon their more important char- 

 acters, without introducing unnecessary details in which the main 

 points were lost. This remark applies also to his descriptions. He 

 must of course be regarded as a follower of LeConte, from whom 

 his earliest ideas on the subject no doubt originated. Personally I 

 had a great regard for him, as he was always ready to exchange 

 ideas or communicate specimens whenever called upon, no matter 

 how frequently, and during the preparation of my work on the Cen- 

 tral American Heteromera and Elateridae we were constantly corre- 

 sponding. During his last visit to Europe I had the pleasure of 

 making his personal acquaintance. I regard Dr. Horn as the best 

 Coleopterist you have ever had, and he will be very much missed by 

 all who take an interest in the very rich beetle fiiuna of America." 



His sister writes: ' Dr. Horn's height was five feet, eight-and-a- 

 half inches ; he was slender and rather delicate in build, of fair, 

 pale complexion, with dark brown hair. Of nervous temperament, 

 his energy was boundless, enduring fatigue and loss of rest, which 

 was apparently unnoticed by him and resulted as you know. He 

 had a remarkably retentive memory, was always studious from child- 

 hood, quick to learn and ready to retain, and capable of imparting 

 his knowledge to others. In all matters of judgment he was very 

 independent, and adhered to his opinions. In regard to character 

 he had marked originality. His fondness for children was so great 

 that one might almost say a little child could lead him. His me- 

 chanical talents were quite marked. He had good*practical business 

 habits and was good at figures. He was fond of music without any 

 particular talent' therefor. 



Although a systematist in Entomology, he was not so in his " den," 

 and Prof. Smith has given an amusing account of the disorder of 

 his combined working- and bed-room. He possessed the salt of 

 humor, and, whether originator of the expression or not, introduced 

 among us the phrase, " mihi-itch" to designate the condition of those 

 whose ambition is chiefly to describe new species. If not an artist 



