28 Nttttall Ornithological Club Memorial. [j" n 



a feeling of mutual consideration, and that without any sacrifice of 

 effectiveness, and at the same time his kindliness and his urbanity 

 created a feeling of fellowship that rendered the gatherings pecu- 

 liarly pleasant. Debatable matters he directed with a notable 

 sense of fair play that assured full hearing for all sides; ornithologi- 

 cal discussion he conducted with patience and acumen. He gave 

 consideration to any observations, desirous that all who were 

 present should participate in proceedings; and he listened to a 

 contributor of even the most trivial notes with an absorbed, respect- 

 ful interest. His sympathetic responsiveness and enthusiasm 

 were sources of inspiration to many a younger ornithologist. We, 

 who have for many years enjoyed his conduct of the meetings, 

 carry ineffaceable in our mind his handsome, mobile countenance, 

 which would light up some remark with an engaging smile of appre- 

 ciative humor, or enforce some searching question with a piercing 

 glance. 



The fact that Mr. Brewster was never ruffled sprang from good- 

 ness of heart and lack of self-consciousness. He seemed gratified 

 by opportunities to be helpful, and generously gave counsel and 

 information to friends and strangers alike. Wide knowledge he 

 seemed to hold in trust; and personal detachment made his de- 

 cisions worthy of confidence. Very naturally, then, he was con- 

 stantly consulted. 



Great was the importance to the Club of the ready information 

 which extensive experience and tenacious memory enabled him to 

 supply off-hand. Even greater, because rarer, was the importance 

 to it of the spirit with which he imbued it. The meetings have 

 been held for many years in his private museum and are remem- 

 bered with delight which is measurably due to his gracious bearing; 

 and no occasions are remembered as more significant than those — 

 all too few — when he contributed the formal paper of the evening 

 from the day-to-day entries in his journal. Even then was strikingly 

 felt his gift of felicitous expression, for his style was not only a 

 sound scientific medium but was elegant and vivacious, vibrant 

 with the joy of his chosen pursuits. 



William Brewster grew upon his friends by intimacy, for even 

 the most intimate discovered no traits save such as increased their 

 love and esteem. 



