KANbAS ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 531 
walk on the avenue at Sixth Street. I was loth to admit that I had crossed and 
recrossed on the stone with the rest and like them had never noticed the tracks. 
But we went together to see the stone and sure enough there were the marks as 
distinct as could be and his beautiful enthusiasm was at its height. That was 
one of the first examples he nad seen of these tracks which he afterwards inves- 
tigated and described so charmingly. He dropped all his affairs, went directly 
to the quarries the very next day and procured a quantity of the rocks with 
tracks. 
While State Geologist, the delightful experience of discovering hitherto un- 
known fossils and the valuable economic deposits of Kansas, awakened in him 
a strong desire for the formation of scientific societies, not only for a wider 
dissemination of knowledge of these resources, but the preservation within our 
own borders of such rare specimens. He improved every opportunity by lec- 
tures and conversations to encourage a growing interest in science. The large 
area and the few railroads were discouragements to most people regarding a 
State organization, with perhaps a lack of interest. He really longed for the 
scientific companionship which he had enjoyed in the east from boyhood — the 
libraries, public societies, parlor clubs, field meeting of the Essex (now Peabody) 
Institute, long botanical excursions with congenial companions — how much he 
missed them. But in 1867 Rev. J. D. Parker, Professor elect of Lincoln Col- 
lege of Topeka, spent some weeks at Manhattan. He was fresh from his studies 
and an enthusiastic lover of Nature and together with Professor Mudge they 
prospected and walked, talked and planned. It is probable that it was at the 
tea table of Hon. J. T. Goodnow, with Professors Mudge and Parker, that the 
subject of a Natural History Society for Kansas was first broached. That is Mr. 
Goodnow's recollection of it. Prof. J. D. Parker writes in his obituary sketch 
of Prof. Mudge in the Kansas City Review of Science (Vol. 3, page 570) that, 
" during the summer vacation of 1867, he first became personally acquainted 
with Prof. Mudge, when by special invitation, he spent three royal weeks at hi& 
home in Manhattan. The days were spent in scientific rambles and in making 
collections in the vicinity, and the nights until a late hour in discussing scientific 
subjects. During this visit was matured the plan for organizing the Kansas 
Natural History Society, which afterwards grew into the Kansas Academy of 
Science. Of this organization Prof. Mudge was elected the first president and 
was again president at the time of his death. During those twelve years he was 
unwearied in his labors for the Academy, always cherishing plans for its develop- 
ment and growth and whose success formed one of the most jovous experiences 
of his life." 
In no organization did he take a greater interest, and he has come in from 
the plains, hundreds of miles, bronzed and travel worn, to attend its meetings." 
Full credit is also given by President Thompson to the earnestness and zeal 
of our friend Prof. J. D. Parker, and several interesting letters are given show- 
ing his deep personal interest in the Academy at all times. 
Dr. Thompson's history of this Association extends down to the present time 
