xm 



Of the value of his botanical observations the readers of the * Phy- 

 tologist' are well aw^are. It is a great loss to science that his Flora 

 was not completed and published. It is hoped, however, that both 

 this and his correspondence and journals will in some manner be 

 edited, as they are of far too great value to be lost to the public. 



This notice would be incomplete without some reference to the 

 care with which Dr. Bromfield drew up his descriptions, and selected 

 and preserved his specimens of plants. 



With respect to describing, he was in the habit, when about to draw 

 up a description, of obtaining an immense number of specimens from 

 different localities, that he might examine the species, and not merely 

 individuals, or local forms. These he would examine, by the assist- 

 ance of various authors, both British and foreign ; and as his library 

 was one of veiy rare extent, by this means he obtained the suggestions 

 of very many botanists. This done, he also carefully scrutinized, to 

 see if any characters yet remained undetected by his predecessors. 

 Being now thoroughly acquainted with the plant, he, without further 

 reference to the books, drew up his descriptions from the plants them- 

 selves. His descriptions are therefore of very great value, from the 

 amount of care and labour bestowed upon them. 



With regard to specimens for the herbarium, he was no less care- 

 ful, and probably no botanist ever took so much care in the mode of 

 preserving. The result is, that his specimens pourtray the characters 

 and aspect of the living plants to a degree, probably, not to be met 

 with in any other collection. 



A powerful intellect, with great powers of observation, accompanied 

 with an intense regard for peace, and the most rigid truthfulness, and 

 very strong affections, constitute the character of this most amiable of 

 men. His love of truth was so remarkable, that it seemed, in every 

 inquiry, to place him above any the slightest bias ; and this fact adds 

 immensely to the value of his observations. His zeal also knew no 

 bounds, and hence, alas ! his untimely loss ! He will long be 

 remembered, and his labours be always highly valued, by all of 

 kindred pursuits ; and his memory will ever live in the hearts of 

 those who had the happiness to enjoy his friendship. 



