320 
the quiet seclusion of his study at Sherwood there emanated an 
influence which was not confined to the country of his adoption, 
and was felt by everyone within it who was but slightly interested 
in the subject to which his best energies were devoted. The idea 
that for many years past he had been a dominant figure in the 
botanical world of South Africa was foreign to his mind. 
So soon after his death, while we are still not fully conscious of 
the extent of our loss, we can hardly estimate the relative value 
and importance of the many aspects of his intellectual activity. In 
his botanical work we were impressed by his enthusiasm, his 
industry, his business-like precision of method and accuracy in 
detail. Like most busy men he was somewhat intolerant of those 
whose objects in life were less definite or less seriously pursued 
than his own. But his sympathy and time were always at the dis- 
posal of any who could meet him on the common ground of interest 
u 
botanical books, his extensive general library, his old furniture, 
his collection of pictures. 
However sedulously aman of this type shuns the public eye he 
cannot fail to exercise a far-reaching influence even beyond hi 
immediate circle of kindred spirits. Dr. Bolus’ efforts were more 
ascribed entirely, perhaps not even mainly, to the publications 
which 
outh Africa, It rather had its source in the relations which 
existed for many years between him and numerous botanical cor- 
respondents scattered through the country. He was ever ready 
to give of his best to help anyone to begin or to continue the 
study of botany. He stimulated many residents in remote districts 
to interest themselves in the vegetation which surrounded them— 
with great benefit to themsely 
of the flora. One of his most esteemed correspondents, Miss Pegler, 
whose name is well-known as a aoe collector, writes “as you 
place 
concerned, I could never have done the littl ; : 
have done had it not been for his he is e collecting which I 
93 
. . * ™m 
he died, Dr. Bolus Saapringes refers to this part of his life-work 
ole of South Africa from the Cape 
