420 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
from their minute structure. Hundreds of species and varie- 
ties in numerous specimens had to be patiently scrutinized 
under the compound microscope, the details sketched and col- 
lated, and the differences weighed. To this task Mr. James 
gave himself with single and untiring devotion. He had nearly 
brought this protracted labor of microscopical analysis to a 
conclusion, and was actually engaged in this work, when the 
eye suddenly was dimmed and the pencil dropped from his 
hand. Partial paralysis was soon followed by coma, and he 
died within a few hours. So very much has been done, that it 
is confidently hoped that his coadjutor may soon bring the work 
to a completion, and give to bryological students the Manual 
of North American Mosses which is greatly needed, and to 
which a vast amount of faithful research has been devoted. 
The name of Mr. James will thereby be inseparably associated 
with the advancement of an interesting branch of botany. 
He was not often seen at our meetings, but he is greatly 
missed by his associates in study, and his memory is cherished 
by all who in the various relations of life came to know this 
diligent and conscientious student of nature, and most esti- 
mable, simple-hearted, kindly, and devout man. 
