464 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



and variety of good work accomplished, for an intuitive sense 

 of method, for lucidity and accuracy, and for insight, George 

 Bentham may fairly be compared with Linnaeus, De Candolle, 

 and Robert Brown. 



His long life was a perfect and precious example, much 

 needed in this age, of persevering and thorough devotion to 

 science while unconstrained as well as untrammeled by pro- 

 fessional duty or necessity. For those endowed with leisure, 

 to " live laborious days " in her service, it is not a common 

 achievement. 



The tribute which the American Academy of Sciences pays 

 to the memory of a deceased foreign honorary member 

 might here fittingly conclude. But one who knew him long 

 and well may be allowed to add a word upon the personal 

 characteristics of the subject of this memorial ; the more so 

 that he is himself greatly indebted for generous help. For, 

 long ago, when in special need of botanical assistance, Mr. 

 Bentham invited him and his companion to his house at Pon- 

 trilas, and devoted the greater part of his time for two months 

 to this service. Mr. Bentham's great reserve and dryness in 

 general intercourse, and his avoidance of publicity, might 

 give the impression of an unsympathetic nature ; but he was 

 indeed most amiable, warm-hearted, and even genial, " the 

 kindest of helpmates," the most disinterested of friends. 



