come, and gave me a good snift' of Berkeley. It was pleasant to receive 

 the University bay, although I am not an Ahimnns, and can boast no 

 Alma-Mater except the rough school of self-education . ' ' 



The closing line above his autograph is "O, California, 

 that's the land for me!" Enclosed with his letter, were a 

 few plants collected by him upon the broad summit of the 

 mouldering walls which surround the ancient city where he 

 died. Our friend has gone — he has found the tranquillity 

 of the grave in a country remote from his native land — 

 from the California he loved so much; far from those he 

 loved and the many who knew and loved him, and who 

 would have deemed it a privilege to have been near him at 

 the final moment, and to have mingled their last farewells 

 with his. The particulars of the closing scene have not 

 yet been received. We may be sure, however, that he 

 looked into the future without fear, and faded serenely, as 

 the twilight sinks into night. 



Those who knew him best, and who enjoyed the precious 

 freedom of intimacy will tell you, that his life was conspic- 

 uous for its purity — his character for its many virtues — his 

 intellect for its refined and delicate culture — his heart for 

 its tender and generous sympathy. The possession of 

 these qualities endear a man to his fellow men; they con- 

 stitute a charming whole, whose priceless web is woven 

 from the choicest graces of our poor humanity — they form 

 an enchanted mantle whose shining folds hide the poverty 

 of human limitations. 



So lived and walked our friend among us, crowned Avith 

 the affection and respect of all who knew him. I do not 

 say that he was perfect, and yet if fault he had I know it 

 not, nor never heard it named. 



Here let us rest — grateful that so true a life has been a 

 part of ours. We place our tribute on his grave, and say 

 good friend — farewell! 



Resolved, That the California Academy of Sciences has learned -with pro- 

 found regret of the death of the Honorable Benjamin Parke Avery, a fel- 

 low member and late United States Minister at the Court of Peking ; that 

 we hereby recognize and express our high appreciation of his many private 

 virtues and public services. 



Resolved, That these resolutions be spread on the records of the Academy 

 and published in the proceedings. 



