254 McAteg, In Memoriam F. E. L. Beal. [fas 
listener to the natural history experience of others, and from the 
enthusiasm he showed and care he took in conveying information 
asked for, I have no doubt he was an excellent teacher. Further 
evidence of this is his assertion that teaching was the hardest work 
he ever did. 
In reviewing Professor Beal’s career, an unusual handicap under 
which he labored must not be forgotten. For the greater part of 
his life he was subject to serious nose-bleeding and to violent sick- 
headaches. For many years, at least one day in seven, saw him 
incapacitated for duty. It is not surprising, therefore, that at 
times he manifested a tendency toward the blues. This did not 
interfere, however, with the development of a keen sense of humor. 
He greatly appreciated a good story and never lacked a better one 
bo. Gap it. 
Despite the presumption that he should have inherited a weak 
constitution from his parents, and the fact that his vitality was 
subjected to the severe strains above-noted, physically, Professor 
Beal was a marvel. Up to his 70th year he was equal to another 
man in his prime. At that period he took all day tramps with me, 
leaped over brooks and vaulted fences with ease. Symptoms 
appearing subsequently, and which probably were the first warnings. 
of angina pectoris, together with the advice of doctors, caused him 
to adopt as a matter of policy, a less strenuous life. Nevertheless, 
he rendered full service to the Biological Survey, up to the very 
day of his death, besides overseeing and personally doing much of 
the work required to keep going a 3-acre flower, truck, and chicken 
farm. Bodily, he failed a little, and his memory for some things 
became impaired, but these changes were noted only by those who 
had known him long. In no sense of the word could he have been 
called feeble. He was indeed a grand old man and was so recog- 
“nized by everyone. 
Professor Beal held vigorous views and before he adopted the 
more staid behavior of an elderly man, was prone to express himself 
freely when occasion arose. He grew really eloquent at such 
times and often I have felt thrilled at the power of his thought and 
speech. 
Professor was not a religious man but his life was as blameless 
as if it had been guided by the most perfect religion. I believe I 
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