42 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



deserved. To bring the Mexican rose into cultivation, for example, 

 he made an extra trip into Lower California. He was at especial 

 pains to introduce the remarkable Spiraa caspitosa or "tree moss," 

 found in the Wasatch Mountains, of which he writes: "The 

 peculiar adaptation of this plant for ornamental rock-work can be 

 appreciated by those who have seen it in its native haunts, and it 

 is hoped that from plants and seeds somewhat copiously collected 

 it may eventually find a much larger number of admirers in gardens 

 devoted to this charming class of horticultural adornments." 

 Every region he explored was viewed not alone with the botanist's 

 searching eye, but was studied as well in its topographical and 

 climatic aspects, as affecting its economic possibilities. 



Of his careful work in the field we have pleasant glimpses in the 

 notes of his first Pike's Peak expedition. At the close of each day's 

 toilsome journey we see the earnest student seated by the camp-fire, 

 note-book in hand, tracing a map of the route just passed over and 

 recording its general features — topographical, geological, botani- 

 cal — in simple, terse narrative, with scarcely a word interlined or 

 erased. As he said of his lamented young friend and associate, J. 

 Duncan Putnam, who accompanied him on more than one toilsome 

 expedition, "with him the truths of nature were serious matters." 



The conscious possessor of a talent for observation, he used it 

 reverently; taking careful account of what so many would have suf- 

 fered to pass unseen or fade into forgetfulness. Nor was he 

 content to be simply receptive, but interrogated Nature continually. 

 Often, intent on some all-absorbing quest, he would disappear from 

 camp for a day or more at a time, still however, with the woods- 

 man's unerring instinct, reappearing safe and sound. 



Yet, curiously exemplifying the absorption of the naturalist in 

 other than the affairs of his fellow-men, these notes contain no 

 mention of his traveling companions, nor of any of the unique 

 and interesting specimens of Western humanity with which he was 

 continually coming in contact. The most warm-hearted, unassum- 

 ing, and genial of men; one whose learning and humility were alike 

 delightful, whose nature reflected the sweetness of the flowers he 

 loved, and who was welcomed to every fireside; one of whom, as of 



Agassiz, it may truly be said: „ , 



o J J J It where er 



He met a stranger, there he left a friend," 

 he yet made no study of man as man, caring only for hearty com- 

 panionship, the warm greeting, and fervent God-speed. 



