Vol. IV] GEORGE DAVIDSON 13 



which has placed the California Academy of Sciences among 

 the wealthy scientific societies of the world. While other offi- 

 cers and members, including Dr. Henry Gibbons, Dr. George 

 Hewston, Charles G. Yale, J. P. Moore, and others, rendered 

 assistance, all his contemporaries in the Academy concede that 

 he was the chief factor in securing the splendid gift. Every 

 member of the Academy should therefore cherish the memory 

 of George Davidson next to that of James Lick as its greatest 

 benefactor. 



In addition to his invaluable books, there have been published 

 about three hundred scientific papers by Professor Davidson. 

 In a letter to his sister, he says of his most important works, 

 The Coast Pilot of California, Oregon and Washington, 1889, 

 and The Coast Pilot of Alaska — Part I, 1869 : 



The sailors call my oldest Coast Pilot "Davidson's Bible." I wrote 

 three editions, and then rewrote every line of the fourth, now sent to 

 you. I had about 3500 pages of manuscript, and no fellow has yet found 

 any but a few typographical errors. Remember this big work was done 

 besides my other official work. 



That this man, after fifty years of faithful service — a serv- 

 ice that called forth unstinted admiration and honors from all 

 maritime nations — should have been treated by his own Gov- 

 ernment as if he were an ordinary laborer, hired for a day's 

 work, and dropped without excuse or warning, is one of the 

 things for which Americans have often had to hang their heads 

 in shame. In any other country George Davidson would have 

 had honors heaped upon him, and his old age would have been 

 brightened by the thought that the country to which he had 

 devoted his wonderful abilities had not forgotten the sacrifice, 

 but delighted to honor the noble work of such a citizen. 



George W. Dickie 

 Ralph Harrison 

 Samuel B. Christy 



Committee 



