760 THE JOURNAL OF GEOLOGY. 



into being at the magic touch of his unrestrained enthusiasm 

 were irresistible. This quality of his nature contributed very 

 largely to the success of his intellectual labors, and to the 

 inspiriting influence he exerted over his pupils. More than this, 

 it enabled him to carry forward cheerfully the plan of his suc- 

 cessful career against the early discouragement of those in 

 authority over him, who subsequently recognized his ability and 

 heartily cooperated to enlarge his opportunities. 



One recalls with delight the vivacity and enthusiasm with 

 which he disclosed some new observation, or unfolded schemes 

 that opened up alluring vistas of possible research. But happier 

 yet must always remain the recollection of George Williams as 

 the historian of his own varied experiences. Times without num- 

 ber have we been carried away in merriment over the narration of 

 his last humorous adventure until it seemed that all the incidents 

 of his life must have worn the comic masque. His sense of 

 humor was keen and never deserted him. By it ordinary events 

 became amusing, and the more notable ones ludicrous. Whether 

 his experience was in the class room or the study, dining room 

 or nursery, some one or some thing furnished the text for a 

 humorous anecdote. His excursions often brought him into 

 laughable situations, and his more considerable expeditions 

 became adventures alive with mirth or with ridiculous incidents. 



But while stranger and friend alike paid tribute to his humor, 

 his power of interpretation did not transgress the bounds of 

 fairness, or expose its subjects to unjust ridicule. It lacked the 

 sting of satire, and reflected the nobler characteristics of his 

 nature. For above all other traits there shone the strong light 

 of his unselfishness, raised into prominence by a spirit destitute 

 of jealousy. Often did he prove by actions more than words his 

 freedom from jealousy ; his generous treatment of his students 

 in their work ; the helpful elaboration of their ideas, or of their 

 plans ; his successful navigation of those dangerous straits that 

 separate the provinces of director and worker, of principal and 

 assistant — waters in which so many craft become disabled, so 

 many undertakings are hopelessly wrecked ; his magnanimous 



