Joseph Le Cojite. 213 



amiable of men as well as one of the most profound and orig- 

 inal of thinkers." In face and manners he was like his 

 brother, and had the same genial disposition and intellectual 

 power. But he was less influential as a teacher than Joseph, 

 held straighter forward on his own way, doing original and 

 purely scientific work, and loved to dwell on the heights out 

 of sight of common minds. Few of his students could follow 

 him in his lectures, for his aims were high and the trails he 

 made were steep, but all were his devoted admirers. Until 

 John's death, some ten years ago, the brothers were always 

 spoken of as "the two Le Contes." In my mind they still 

 stand together, a blessed pair, twin stars of purest light. 

 Their writings brought them world-wide renown, and their 

 names will live, but far more important is the inspiring, up- 

 lifting, enlightening influence they exerted on their students 

 and the community, which, spreading from mind to mind, 

 heart to heart, age to age, in ever widening circles, will go on 

 forever. 



JOSEPH LE CONTE. 



BY INA COOI.BRITH. 



What words can add unto his fame, 



Or greener make his well-won bays? ' 



Himself has deathless writ his name. 

 His life-work is his noblest praise. 



No man was cast in gentler mould, 

 Yet stronger none in firm command. 



His thought our lesser thought controlled, 

 Our hearts he held within his hand. 



And Heaven so close about him lay 

 While still earth's lowly plane he trod, 



He might not miss its shining way: 



Who walks with nature walks with God. 



