10 BULLETIN OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 



— his mother being a Piiieo — a member of the Acadian 

 family of that name. 



Dr. Gesner was popular with those with whom he 

 came in contact, and suggestions of poUtical success and 

 preferment were often made to him in consequence, but 

 he could not be induced to enter the political arena, but 

 remained true to his beloved science. lie was an enthu- 

 siastic sportsman, both with rod and gun, and we have 

 seen how he made these accomplishments the handmaids 

 of his scientific labors. 



He was very fond of music and quite a capable per- 

 former on the flute and violin in the family circle. After 

 a wearing day's work he would seek recreation and 

 pleasure in pla3ing over old airs, especially the Scotch 

 music, of which he was particularly fond. He was always 

 abstemious and temperate in his habits of life, but liked 

 and would smoke a good cigar. He rose early and 

 retired earl}", believing in the old maxim with reference 

 to sleeping. 



Many anecdotes might be told showing the geniality 

 and generosity of his disposition. 



He remained a firm churchman all his life, and was a 

 warden for many years of Christ Church, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

 Here he had an opportunity of entertaining many of the 

 clergy, some of whom had large parishes in 'New York. 

 On one of these occasions he somewhat disturbed the 

 pious serenity of a very wise looking theologian who was 

 dining with him, and whose name was Walton, by 

 smilingly inquiring if he was any relation to the famous 

 Isaac Walton, author of the " Complete Angler." 



A story is told showing the natural generosity of his 

 character when superintending a Sunday-school picnic of 

 the church to which he belonged. The picnic was held 

 in grounds surrounded by a high board fence to protect 



