xcyi PROCEEDINGS OF THE 
the intention of crossing the glacier-bound central range to the 
west coast—an arduous journey for a man at his age, but one of the 
most interesting, geographically, geologically, and botanically, that 
could be undertaken in New Zealand. From this he was destined 
never toreturn. The intelligence of his death was first received from 
his companion Dr. Haast, the geologist to the party, and afterwards, 
in more detail, from his old and attached friend and fellow-botanist, 
C. Knight, Esq., F.L.S., of Auckland. He was drowned in an im- 
prudent attempt to cross the swollen Raugitata River on foot, at a 
ford where the stream is divided by an island. Dr. Sinclair appears 
to have crossed with his horse to the island; but the animal having 
there escaped from him, he proceeded on foot into the second branch, 
when, the current proving too strong, he was carried down ; and the 
body was discovered, some time afterwards, lying on a spit of sand. 
Thus was lost a valuable friend to science and a most amiable and 
excellent man. He was remarkable for shrewdness of character, 
ardent love of knowledge, readiness in communicating it, and as an 
assiduous collector of plants and animals. He made no pretensions 
to a knowledge of scientific subjects, though he read largely and 
often observed well. Of ancient and modern history and belles 
lettres he was extremely fond, and on these subjects his stores of 
information were both varied and great. He had a keen relish for 
society, great love of music and art, and was a most engaging com- 
panion in the bush or at sea, and to old or young in the drawing- 
room or school-room. He was never married; but many will mourn 
his loss, as that of a most judicious, disinterested, and warm-hearted 
friend; and his name will ever be prominent as one of the pioneers 
of botanical discovery on the Pacific coasts of America and in New 
Zealand, and as the active promoter of all branches of science in that 
colony. 
Joseph Sheldon Cradock Wilkinson, Esq., M.R.C.S.Eng., was a 
medical practitioner at Great Marlow, Bucks. He was elected into 
the Society on the 7th February, 1837, and died at the age of 52, 
on the 18th of June, 1861. 
Fortran Members. 
Charles Louis Blume, M.D., was born at Leyden in the year 
1796. He was educated for the medical profession, and, soon after 
taking his degree, proceeded to Java, where he had the principal 
medical charge of the colony, and, on the retirement of Reinwardt 
in 1823, was made Superintendent of the Botanic Garden at Buiten- 
zorg. About the same time he was specially directed by the en- 
