LTNNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON. 39 



One of our most valued Colonial Fellows has passed away in 

 the person of Thomas Kirk, of Wellins;ton, New Zealnnd. 



He was born at Coventry, Warwickshire, in 1828, and in early 

 life was employed in a large timber-mill in his native town, there 

 acquiring a complete knowledge of the business. In 1865 he 

 emigrated to Auckland, and for several years was Curator and 

 Secretary of the Auckland Museum and Institute ; in 1874 he 

 removed to AVellinston, having received the appointment of 

 Lecturer on Natural Science at Wellington College, which at 

 that time was affiliated to the New Zealand University. Here 

 he proved his value, and was very successful in training his 

 pupils. "When the stall' was reorganized owing to the College 

 ceasing its connection with the University, Professor Kirk 

 retired, but soon after was appointed Lecturer on Biology at 

 Lincoln Agricultural College, which position he held until he 

 was appointed Chief Commissioner of State Forests. Upon him 

 devolved the duty of oi'ganizing the Forest De|.)artraent, but it 

 was abolished on a change of Grovernment. The 'Forest Flora 

 of ISew Zealand" is a testimony to his zeal and knowledge of the 

 flora in question. For many years previous to his death he 

 was engaged on a Student's Flora of the Colony, but although 

 began to print the early part, it proves to be only half com- 

 pleted. The need of such a work is great, and it is to be hoped 

 that his son may be able to complete the father's book. 



The reports on the forests under his charge are standard 

 works, and display the early training in timber-knowledge, as 

 well as the later acquired hiological and special insight. 



He died somewhat suddenly on Tuesday, 8th March, 1898, at 

 Plimmerton, a seaside resort, eighteen miles I'rom AVellingfcon. 

 He had suffered from hepatitis and intercostal rheumatism, but 

 the actual cause of death was tlie bursting of an abscess on the 

 pleura. He was buried two days after death, in a coffin of 

 polished kauri-wood, his favourite timber. The family lei't con- 

 sists of three daughters and two sons, the elder of whom is 

 Government biologist, and the other in the Education Depart- 

 ment. Professor Kirk was elected Fellow of the Linnean Society 

 on 19th January, 1871. 



Charles John Leaf was a member of the weU-known firm of 

 drapers and warehousemen, Leaf, Sons & Co., of Old Change, 

 now merged in that of Pawsou, Leaf & Co., of St. Paul's 

 Churchyard. He occupied a prominent position among those 

 City men who seek relaxation in the delights of science, and 

 was altogether exemplary among large employers of labour in the 

 extent to which he encouraged a taste for science and literature 

 among his employes. By his influence prominent scientific 

 men of the day were induced to lecture lo them, and on their 

 behalf he fouuded the " Old Change Microscopical Club."' 



