14 



wholly left out obscures or spoils the likeness, even in a finished 

 painting of a friend. 



Mr. Tryon was notably cautious and conservative in scientific 

 work. The personal reputation incident to success he did not appre- 

 ciate very highly, nor regard to be among the objects of scientific 

 research. Just as a private in the ranks, forgetful of all the labor 

 and perhaps blood he has contributed towards it, delights in the 

 glory of his regiment, wholly unmindful of the personal distinction 

 he may have fairly earned for himself, so Mr. Tryon toiled to pro- 

 mote the welfare and fame of the academy, within the bounds of 

 which he seemed to have merged his scientific aspirations. Few 

 have been like him in this respect ; but his example may have fol- 

 lowers. Natural modesty, an almost reclusive disposition made him 

 reluctant to hold office. He often refused to permit friends to nom- 

 inate him for prominent positions in the society, and was apparently 

 indifferent to the honor of membership in other associations. He 

 did not care to publish that he was a corresponding member of the 

 California Academy of Natural Sciences, from December 1862 ; of 

 the Boston Society of Natural History, from March 1864 ; of the 

 Koyal Society of Tasmania, from June 1886, nor of any other in 

 which his name had been enrolled. 



Mr. Tryon's good sense and unselfish nature ; his cheerful, unpre- 

 tentious deportment at all times, won for him affectionate respect 

 and enduring friendships. Because he was punctual, prompt and 

 efficient in doing, within the limits of official duty, whatever con- 

 cerned the interests of the Academy, he deserved and had the 

 unreserved confidence of all. 



The quantity and quality of work done during his happy career 

 are perennial vouchers of his unremitting industry and varied abil- 

 ity. It is doubted whether a collegiate training and the Master's 

 degree would have facilitated his progress and enabled him to ac- 

 quit himself better in any sense. A genius for discovering his own 

 deficiencies, and then filling them by opportune self-help, was a 

 practical substitute for an Alma Mater. 



Mr. Tryon's abiding desire to increase our knowledge of conchol- 

 ogy, which he has done so much to advance, is manifest in his last 

 will and testament, dated March 18th, 1886. 



He bequeathed to the Conchological Section of the Academy cer- 

 tain real estate to be a source of a permanent trust fund, the income 



