52 THE OSPREY. 



his knowledge of the forms of the Old World, Mr. Cassin had no superior 

 either in this country or elsewhere — it may even be doubtful if he had an 

 equal. By long and diligent study, by the most thorough investigations, and 

 by the most careful researches into the authorities, with a patient persever- 

 ance that nothing could discourage, he rendered himself a complete master of 

 the science. So perfectly familiar was he with the forms of the Old World, 

 that he investigated their classification, established new genera and described 

 new species as readil}' in Africa as in America, and the savans of Europe have 

 accepted with deference his decisions". 



Mr. Cassin was for many years an active member of the Academy of 

 Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and had been a vice-president for some years 

 up to his death. His valuable contributions enriched the pages of its Journal, 

 and added wide reputation to its Proceedings. His activity and zeal in the 

 cause of science aided to draw around that institution munificent patrons, as 

 well as distinguished co-laborers. 



His communications and all his contributions to science were distinguished 

 by "their careful research, their thoroughness, and their unfailing accuracy 

 — an accuracy that was ever above reproach, and as it seems even beyond 

 criticism". So thought Dr. Brewer. 



Nor was it alone as a closet naturalist that Mr. Cassin was distinguished. 

 He was also an ardent lover of nature, and a close observer of living birds, 

 both in their wild wood haunts, and under the open sky. Dr. Brewer, was 

 indebted to him for much valuable information, derived from his observations 

 upon the habits of various birds; and it was to aid from his unequalled knowl- 

 edge that he looked forward for the correct classification of the collection of 

 the Boston Society of Natural History. 



As a man, Cassin was "of unswerving uprightness, warm-hearted, cordial 

 and sincere, firm and abiding in his friendship, and only a foe to whatever was 

 wrong, ungenerous or illiberal — possessed of strong, fervent and generous im- 

 pulses, and frank and outspoken in the expression of his opinions. Decided 

 in his own views, he was still ever tolerant and liberal towards those who 

 differed from him". 



Dr. Brewer's remarks may be supplemented by some from the present 

 writer who saw considerable of him in 1860 and 1861, and who was enter- 

 tained at his hospitable house on one occasion for several days on his way from 

 New York to Washington. 



Cassin was a man of striking personality, of medium height, somewhat 

 stocky form, and in appearance reminded one of a prosperous farmer rather 

 than a scientist. He had a florid complexion and deep bass voice and gave the 

 idea of a very positive and assertive character. Better acquaintance proved 

 that he was not as gruff as he at first appeared and he was a very companion- 



