420 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



from their minute structure. Hundreds of species and varie- 

 ties in numerous specimens had to be patiently scrutinized 

 under the compound microscope, the details sketched and col- 

 lated, and the differences weighed. To this task Mr. James 

 gave himself with single and untiring devotion. He had nearly 

 brought this protracted labor of microscopical analysis to a 

 conclusion, and was actually engaged in this work, when the 

 eye suddenly was dimmed and the pencil dropped from his 

 hand. Partial paralysis was soon followed by coma, and he 

 died within a few hours. So very much has been done, that it 

 is confidently hoped that his coadjutor may soon bring the work 

 to a completion, and give to bryological students the Manual 

 of North American Mosses which is greatly needed, and to 

 which a vast amount of faithful research has been devoted. 

 The name of Mr. James will thereby be inseparably associated 

 with the advancement of an interesting branch of botany. 

 He was not often seen at our meetings, but he is greatly 

 missed by his associates in study, and his memory is cherished 

 by all who in the various relations of life came to know this 

 diligent and conscientious student of nature, and most esti- 

 mable, simple-hearted, kindly, and devout man. 



