19 



prominent in forwarding the interests of the Academy. Up to the 

 time of his last illness, his was a well-known voice among us, giving 

 valuable information on an unusual range of topics, and often the 

 deeply interesting results of his own delicate experiments. 



We are also reminded this evening of Dr. FRANKLIN SCAMMON ? 

 for two years President of the Academy. Retiring from active 

 business in 1852, he devoted his time principally to botanical 

 studies ; and before his decease, which occurred in 1864, he trans- 

 ferred to the Academy his large and valuable herbarium, which 

 probably had no rival as a complete collection of the flora of the 

 lake basin and the prairies. Quiet, unobtrusive in his manners, his 

 voice seldom heard in our meetings, except on his favorite theme,, 

 his life work was not lost. He increased the domain of knowledge ; 

 he inspired many in the walks of science ; and in the transactions 

 of kindred societies, at home and abroad, his name holds an hon- 

 ored place. 



One other name would I mention in this memorial list Presi- 

 dent of the Academy for three years, from 1858 to 1861--JOSEPH 

 DANA WEBSTER. A few present will recall General WEBSTER 

 when, over thirty years ago, fresh from Dartmouth and West Point, 

 and his early successes as Lieutenant of Topographical Engineers, 

 he first made his home in our young city. With what was true in 

 science and art and literature, in those early days, he was promi- 

 nently identified. With others, he united, in 1857, in organizing 

 the first Academy of Sciences, of which he was the first Vice-Pres- 

 ident. He ever lent to it his cordial support; and found, in con- 

 nection with it, opportunities for intellectual culture and grateful 

 recreation. His thorough scientific training was displayed in what 

 was accomplished by him as President of our first Board of Public 

 Works. At the outbreak of the late war he volunteered his servi- 

 ces to his country; and his record, honorable alike to himself, hi& 

 city, his state, is known to all. When, at the close of the war, he 

 again returned to his home, it was to accept oflices in our city, the 

 highest trusts in the gift of the government ; and amid all the plot- 

 tings and briberies and intrigues of those trying days, he pursued 

 his even course, while never a breath of calumny tarnished his fair 

 name. In March, 1876, General WEBSTER passed away our Cheva- 

 lier BAYARD "A knight without fear and without reproach." 



