62 
Retirement of Sir William Thiselton-Dyer.—The late Director 
“Arie on December 15, and was succeeded by Lieut.-Col. Prain, 
M.S., F.R.S., Superintendent of the Royal Botanic ae ea 
tev and Director of the Botanical Survey of India 
ir W. Thiselton-Dyer was appointed Assistant-Director in 1879, 
and Director in 1885. 
On December 16, he introduced his successor to the assembled 
staff who, with a ‘kind feeling which was ee EOL, appreciated, 
presented him with the following address 
“To StR WILLIAM T. THISELTON-DYER, 
“¥*0.M.G., C.LE., F.R.S, 
“On the occasion of your pelirament from the position of 
Director, we, ai undersigned m sags of the Staff of the Royal 
Botanic Gardens, Kew, desire Ee ress our regret at the 
fe of the ties which have so ing united us and to convey 
© you our wish that you may be granted health to enjoy for many 
ate the leisure so well earned by your long and strenuous 
career. 
“During the thirty years of your connection with Kew the 
grounds of masses of ornamental shrubs and herbaceous plants. 
* Almost every glass-house has been rebuilt on more attractive 
lines and the completion of the Temperate House was an achieve- 
ment that marks an epoch. It may be added that the collections 
of living plants were never richer and never in better condition. 
“The Jodrell Laboratory was arranged and equ — and for a 
— time worked, under your personal supervisio 
The Herbarium buildings have been greatly extended, and 
ti collections and library are now second to none in the world. 
“The Museum buildings have also been enlarged and modified 
and the collections rearranged under your direction. 
“ We members of the permanent staff have much cause to be 
aso to you for obtaining a favourable revision of our 
salar 
“ But it is not your work at Kew alone to which we can refer 
with sions nal and admiration. The British Colonies and 
u for direct aid and for the foundation or support of their 
otantoal HecabRaheanta 
“We also dies: the fact that your close devotion to admini 
trative and executive work has limited your io daatese fo 
original eC IM great sacrifice to one whi we are pro 
