THE NAUTILUS. 141 



S. pnrtumeium Say. Very abundant everywhere and quite 

 variable. 



GEORGE W. LICHTENTHALER. 



BY MORTON J. ELROD, ILLINOIS WE8LEYAN UNIVERSITY. 



The familiar face of George W. Lichtenthaler, one of the best 

 known of American conchologists, and one of the most earnest and 

 energetic collectors of natural history specimens, will be seen no 

 more. He passed away at San Francisco on Tuesday, February 

 20th., death being caused by fatty degeneration of the heart. He 

 was 60 years of age. 



Mr. Lichtenthaler was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Bloom- 

 ington, 111., at the age of twenty-two. For five years he was a drug 

 clerk, then bought out the stock, conducted business for himself for 

 seventeen years, after Avhich he retired with a snug fortune. During 

 this time he imbibed a taste for natural history, and after his retire- 

 ment devoted his entire time and the proceeds of his large estate to 

 the gathering and collecting of shells, ferns, and algte. Mrs. Lich- 

 tenthaler died nine years ago, leaving no children. After her death 

 Mr, Lichtenthaler turned his mind more than ever to his chosen 

 work. His wife's death was a great blow to him, and he was no 

 doubt greatly moved to collecting to forget his sorrow. His affection 

 for her is shown in his desire that the vast collection should be given 

 a name that would incorporate the name of " Rebecca S. Lichten- 

 thaler." 



Mr. Lichtenthaler was an amateur collector, never having sold 

 specimens, or labored for hire. It was a labor of love. If he could 

 not exchange he would give of his duplicates to those who would 

 make use of them. Many people of this community treasure collec- 

 tions from distant climes given by him, and many a lad with a love 

 for nature has had this love fanned into a flame through bis encour- 

 agement, and has gone from the presence of this great-hearted man 

 not only with a greater love for nature's works, but with a 

 liberal gift of shells or other specimens carefully preserved. Many 

 a case has he recounted to me, sitting by my fireside, of boys he has 

 helped to knowledge and position, by pointing the Avay and lending 

 substantial aid. 



