16 



.and grasses, gathered by the way, some for study in connection with 

 his herbarium, which was large, and others to bedeck certain rooms 

 in the house. And now and then a mineralogist was surprised to 

 hear him talk so knowingly about minerals. Indeed, his acquaint- 

 ance with natural history, generally, was sufficiently intimate to 

 make the title of naturalist appropriate to him. His knowledge of 

 nature and natural things was a pure accomplishment, in no sense 

 associated with his bread-wining work while he was the successful 

 man of business. 



This imperfect sketch of an. eminent benefactor of the academy 

 is fittingly closed with the following tributary stanzas, written by 

 his friend, our fellow member, Mr. John Ford, Feb. 15, 1888. 



IN MEMORIAM. 



As falls the oak, mature and strong in limb, 

 A giant 'mong its fellows tall and grand, 



So fell the peer of those whom Science crowns, 

 Th' immortal Tryon, type of noblest men. 



Not human hearts alone do feel the blow 

 That struck him down in life's meridian, 



The leafy woods, the vales, and quiet streams 



Where Nature's gems he sought, alike are grieved. 



E'en Neptune mourns the loss of one who knew 

 His sea-born children all by sight and name ; 



And from their games the Tritons sadly turn 

 To breathe a requiem through horns of pearl. 



His form is gone, but deathless evermore 

 On pages manifold his thoughts remain ; 



And there, like ripened fruits, they wait the hands 

 Of all who would their charming flavor prove. 



Though well we know the victor's fadeless crown 

 His brow adorns, and that he dwells in peace, 



Yet do our hearts, remembering the past, 

 Still long to meet him face to face again. 



