MEMOIR. XXXIX 



To describe John Wolley^s cliaracter at any length has not been 

 my intention. I have tried, without the desire of unduly exalting 

 tlie value of any branch of Natural Science, to give in outline 

 the chief events of a life which, if the study of God's creatures 

 deserves encouragement, cannot be said to have been uselessly spent, 

 for it added not inconsiderably to our knowledge of them, and, if 

 unswerving devotion to the cause of Truth merits any praise, must 

 be admitted to have been honourably passed. The facts narrated 

 here and in the following pages are left to speak for themselves : on 

 them must Wolley's reputation rest. It would add little to them to 

 state that, in the various capacities of relative, friend, and companion, 

 there was little w^anting in him, for such encomiums are too often 

 applied without due cause. His good qualities are treasured in the 

 recollection of those who knew him — now, alas ! dwindled to a small 

 number — and especially of that one of them to whom he gave the 

 last token of his esteem. Having endeavoured (how imperfectly no 

 one knows better than myself) to discharge a duty owing to the 

 memory of a deeply lamented comrade, I cannot conclude this sketch 

 without an expression of gratitude at having been permitted to share 

 so largely the intimacy and confidence of such an upright man. 



