&T. 40-41.] EDWARD FORBES. 89 



the position that Joseph Prestwich held in the world 

 of science in France. 



During this and the preceding year the subject of 

 this Memoir had been in close correspondence with the 

 lamented Edward Forbes. They were both at work 

 on the geology of the Isle of Wight, yet there is not 

 a shade of jealousy on the part of either. They were 

 both only eager to help each other eager for the 

 elucidation of truth. Among several letters from this 

 distinguished naturalist, one from Sandown, dated 17th 

 December 1852, begins : 



DEAR PRESTWICH, Your letter is a most interesting one to 

 me, and I hope you will write another, stating objections and 

 suggestions, as it is of consequence to me that I should look to 

 all points whilst I am on the spot. ... I have had your 

 note on Hempstead transcribed and sent down to me, and have 

 been much pleased with it. ... 



A second long letter from Sandown, of January 16, 

 1853, enters into detail on the arguments and facts in 

 support of the writer's divisions of the geological beds 

 of the Isle of Wight, and concludes : 



As you say, it is difficult to judge of equivalents owing to the 

 very defective French lists. On the general questions discussed 

 at the end of your letter it will be better to talk. I hope you 

 will let me join your Easter expedition it is exactly where I 

 should like to go ; and with all this fresh in my head, I may be 

 of use. Ever, dear Prestwich, very sincerely, 



EDWARD FORBES. 



This next Easter trip is recorded very briefly. 

 "1853, 25th March. Lynn with Forbes and Austen." 



The last letter from Edward Forbes was from Hythe, 

 25th August 1853. (He died in 1854.) He and our 

 geologist had arranged to make an excursion to France, 



