REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 27 



highest rank in the field of zoology, and through his critical studies adding 

 greatly to the sura of human knowledge. 



As one of the founders of the Cosmos Club ; as a professor in the Columbian 

 (now the George Washington) University for more than 50 years; as a member 

 of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, tlie Philosophical 

 Society, the National Academy of Sciences, and of many other scientific socie- 

 ties in the United States and foreign lands. Dr. Gill was most highly esteemed 

 and was widely known to biologists throughout the world as a man of deep 

 and accurate learning, particularly in the study of his specialty, ichthyology. A 

 man of phenomenal memory, familiar with many languages, he was a veritable 

 cyclopedia of science and knew how to make plain to the layman its technical 

 phraseology. He was a constant and willing source of information and in- 

 spiration to all who sought his aid in professional studies. 



Through devotion to his chosen calling and his genial disposition Dr. Gill 

 has left to his associates a cherished memory and a brilliant example worthy 

 of emulation. 



WILLIAM WOODVILLE ROCKHILL. 



William Woodville Rockhill, former ambassador to Russia, Tur- 

 key, and other countries, one who had ably filled many other im- 

 portant diplomatic positions in China, Korea, and elsewhere, and 

 had served as Assistant Secretary of State, was born in Philadelphia 

 in 1854 and died in Honolulu, December 8, 1914. From 1888 to 1892 

 he conducted tw^o scientific missions to China, Mongolia, and Tibet 

 under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution, resulting in a 

 large accumulation of most interesting and important data bearing 

 on the habits and customs particularly of the then little-known 

 Tibetans. Much of this valuable information was embodied in his 

 " Diary of a Journey through Mongolia and Tibet," published by the 

 Institution. To the National Museum collections he added a large 

 amount of ethnological material resulting from his journeys. Mr. 

 Eockhill was intensely devoted to oriental study and had been a con- 

 stant collaborator of the Smithsonian Institution throughout all his 

 official career. At the time of his death he was en route to assume his 

 duties as financial adviser to the Chinese Government. 



Respectfully submitted. 



Charles D. Walcott, Secretary. 



