KANSAS ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 11 



nent place in his class. His studies were attractive, and his methods of 

 teaching were characterized by originality. As a teacher, Prof. Mudge was 

 not bookish, although he always prized books for what they are worth. He 

 was truly an original investigator, and nature was the great volume ever 

 placed before him. His love of nature was unbounded, and he seemed to 

 live in the field. His thoughts naturally ran back to his experiences in the 

 field rather than to books, and he drew very largely for his scientific knowl- 

 edge from original observations. He was the hero of all scientific parties 

 going out from the Agricultural College, and none were considered complete 

 without him as a leader. 



In 1871, in speaking of fossil flora. Prof. Mudge mentioned eighteen new 

 species which he bad discovered. At another time, a few years later, he spoke 

 of thirty-six new species. On the day of his death he spoke of eighty which 

 he had discovered, and there are probably many more, for he was always 

 very modest in speaking of his own work, while he was ever glad to notice 

 that of others. 



Prof Mudge was the prince of collectors in the West, and possessed all 

 those qualities of body and mind that made him truly successful. As a plat- 

 form lecturer on scientific subjects, he was a general favorite with all classes. 

 In a graceful and easy manner his ample stores of scientific knowledge would 

 flow forth in rich, spontaneous utterances, and he was able to throw a pe- 

 culiar charm around the facts of science. The University of Kansas lately 

 honored herself by placing him upon her corps of special lecturers. He was 

 wholly absorbed in his college duties, and was the student's best friend. He 

 opened doors in the temple of science, and inspired his pupils to enter and 

 explore for themselves. As a friend and companion, he was always true and 

 genial. His friendships were remarkably warm and lasting. He was greatly 

 beloved by all his neighbors, and this is a sure test of a good man. He pos- 

 sessed a native purity and refinement of soul, more akin to the refined nature 

 of woman, which never forsook him in his most social hours. He seemed to 

 be born without fear, and his scientific friends relate instances in their west- 

 ern explorations when he would lie down without fear, and sleep till morn- 

 ing, surrounded by hostile Indians. He possessed great simplicity of life, 

 and always felt as if he was a young man. He was always giving public 

 lectures without compensation, and studying methods of conferring favors 

 upon his friends. He feared God and loved righteousness, and those who 

 knew him best believe that he possessed a deep religious nature. 



As long as science has a name and place in the great central plains of the 

 North American continent. Prof Mudge will not be forgotten as a scientific 

 explorer and discoverer. 



