346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
was continued year after year with few breaks, down to the 
close of 1866, when it terminated with a general Index to 
Species. It is not for us to speak particularly of the merits 
of this elaborate monograph, patiently prosecuted through 
more than forty years. This and the monograph of Schwei- 
nitz and Torrey laid the foundation and insured the popular- 
ity of the study of Sedges in this country. But while the 
latter systematic arrangement was published as a whole in 
1825, Dr. Dewey’s, carried on without particular order, ex- 
tended through a lifetime, and represents both the earlier and 
the later knowledge. What is needed to render these stores 
of observation and their permanent results most available, is 
a systematic digest or synopsis, something like that which the 
author contributed: to Wood’s Botany, in the article Carex, 
but with all the more important references. Hopes were 
entertained that he might be able to crown his life’s work 
in this way. But at past fourscore and ten this could not 
be expected. Beyond this favorite genus, Professor Dewey’s 
botanical writings were few; the most considerable was his 
“ History of the Herbaceous Plants of Massachusetts,” pub- 
lished under the authority of the State, being the companion 
volume to the better known ‘“‘ Report on the Trees and Shrubs,” 
by Mr. Emerson. Botany was one of the occupations of Pro- 
fessor Dewey’s leisure hours; his long life was mainly de- 
voted to education. Turning his attention to a special yet 
almost inexhaustible subject, however, and laboring persever- 
ingly and faithfully, although under many disadvantages, he 
has permanently and honorably impressed his name upon the 
science in which the Californian Umbelliferous genus Deweya 
records his services. He was an excellent, simple-hearted, 
devout man, a fine specimen of the western New Englander 
of the old school. 
The lovers of Carex, so numerous in this country, will 
cherish the memory of these two venerable men, Sartwell and 
Dewey, long associated in congenial pursuits, and gone to 
their rest together. May the turf of the Sedges they loved, 
and which cover or ought to cover the low mounds under 
which their dust reposes, keep them perennially green, and 
adorn them each returning spring with their sober blossoms! 
