( clxvii ) 



Kirby's distinction in quite other fields of knowledge than 

 that of Entomology, appeared — two days after his death — in 

 the Times newspaper. He explored, and wrote as a specialist 

 on, a great vaiiety of subjects, ranging from Natural Theology 

 and Biblical criticism, to the primitive Epic poetry and folk- 

 lore of Finland and Esthonia, and the bibliography of the 

 Arabian Nights. To think of him simply as an Entomologist 

 gives a very one-sided and inadequate idea of his manifold 

 activities, or of the position really held by him in the learned 

 world. That, however, is the capacity in which he was known 

 to most of us, and in which it is natural that he should be 

 chiefly remembered to-night. 



I pass on, therefore, to speak of his actual connection with 

 our Society. It lasted over half a century, since his election 

 as a Fellow was in 1861. Twenty years later he became 

 Secretary ; and after holding that responsible and laborious 

 post till 1885, served for a year more on the Council. To the 

 last, as many here will remember, he was a frequent and 

 interested attendant at our Meetings. 



His knowledge of entomological books was wonderful ; and 

 this (together with his interest in many branches of the 

 science, and his position in the Museum) gave him frequent 

 opportunities, of which he gladly took advantage, for rendering 

 friendly help to all and sundry. I am tempted to dwell on 

 recollections of my own — commencing with the day on which 

 I first made acquaintance with the Insect-room, and received 

 from Kirby precise and useful suggestions as to the books 

 most likely to assist me in continuing a certain study, whose 

 initial difiiculties had almost inclined me to abandon it. But, 

 instead, I will venture to quote an instance of his kindness 

 towards a worthier recipient. Mr. Trimen allows me to tell 

 you, that, when he published at Capetown the first Part of 

 his Rhopalocera Africae Australis, Kirby (whom he had never 

 met) wrote informing him of two new and important Conti- 

 nental books on African Butterflies, and enabled him to pro- 

 cure these works (which were afterwards of much service to 

 him) on specially favourable terms. " And," adds Mr. Trimen, 

 " this kindly act was the prelude to a long series of others, 

 and to personal acquaintance of a cordial kind ever since." 



