46 McGEE MEMORIAL MEETING 



death, so that whatever is here set down is in the spirit of kindliest 

 remembrance. 



Although many years have slipped by my first impressions of his 

 personal appearance are still vivid. His most conspicuous outward 

 characteristic was a pleasing manly vigor, indicative of abounding 

 good health and unusual ability, both physical and mental. By 

 reason of this, his power of sustained bodily and intellectual effort 

 endured almost to the end of his career. Eyes and complexion were 

 fresh and clear, and countenance frank and open, giving every evi- 

 dence of kindliness, sincerity, and earnestness of purpose. His ever 

 present smile was genial and inviting. 



As these lines are written a delightful picture of McGee, mellowed 

 by time and affection, arises before me. It was soon after his entrance 

 on his duties. On a beautiful autumn day he started on foot to 

 examine the geological formations of the upper Potomac River. To 

 him there was no inappropriateness in appearing at the office minus 

 a coat, and arrayed in outing shirt of a screamingly brilliant blue 

 color, while a new and shining little axe dangled from the back buckle 

 of his trousers. This startling costume was crowned with a black 

 Alpine hat of western construction and ancient vintage. The out- 

 come was a cross between a Baltimore fireman of the olden days and 

 a juvenile camper about to enter upon his first experience. The epi- 

 sode nearly caused a riot of interest and comment among the members 

 of the Survey, but many of us who smiled can recall the valuable 

 contributions he made to the unraveling of the then unknown " Coastal 

 Plain Geology" of the Atlantic Seaboard. 



The kindliness, wholesomeness, and sincerity of Me Gee's nature 

 were early recognized by his associates. No demand on him was so 

 small or so large that it was not promptly met, and he gave of his 

 best. Always the subject of good-natured friendly chaffing, it was 

 ever taken in good spirit. There was never resentment or ill nature, 

 and never was there heard from him a harsh or critical personal com- 

 ment on his associates. Apparently there was no place for such 

 things in his philosophy of life. He enjoyed fun and social inter- 

 course, and maintained his part with repartee and story, but never 

 was sarcasm or irony employed, nor was there even a hint of care- 

 lessness or coarseness in conversation. 



