146 IN MEMORIAM—CHARLES SMETHURST. 
It was, however, as a lepidopterist that he was best known, and 
to him the naturalists of Leeds are indebted for the sight of many 
rare species of moths. In this branch he was a most assiduous 
worker, going out, night after night, collecting the night-feeding 
larvze, and sugaring the trees in the woods around Meanwood; an 
for many years he was one of the most successful lepidopterists that 
attended the meetings of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, when he 
usually distinguished himself by making some addition to the York- 
shire list—a by no means easy feat when it is remembered what a 
number of keen students of this branch of natural history Yorkshire 
has possessed. 
It was always a pleasure to see his massive form at the meetings, 
and to note the enthusiasm which lit his genial face when speaking in 
homely language of his exhibits, for he had no jealousy in his hobby, 
but most freely gave his hard-earned experience to all who desired, 
although it was only by questioning that any idea of the extent of 
his knowledge could be got. 
He was an ardent member of the Naturalist Societies of Leeds, 
of which a few of the first met at different public-houses, but they 
seemed to be more Societies for the purchase of birds’ skins and 
insects from dealers in London than to record any work done by the 
members. During 1860 a Naturalists’ Society was started by a few 
lovers of nature living at the east end of Leeds at the East Ward 
Mechanics’ Institute. The Institute soon after came to grief, and 
the Working Men’s Institute being established Rahs 1861 at the 
Old Assembly Rooms, several of the members of the East Ward 
Society formed a nucleus round which from time to time gathered a 
first-rate society, including such men as Liversedge, Smethurst, 
Todd, W. H. Taylor, J. Dixo n, J. W. Davis, etc. Of this Society 
Smethurst was one of the first to join, and always contributed a good 
proportion of work towards keeping alive the interest of the 
Society. From that time until 1886 his activity was unflagging, 
then came the accident by which he ultimately lost his leg. After 
this, being unable to follow any employment, he soon became poor, 
but through all his adversity he clung tenaciously to his cabinet of 
insects. The crippled leg was a constant source of pain to him, 
which he bore uncomplainingly until he was carried off by chronic 
bronchitis on Friday, rst January, 1892, aged 63, and was buried in 
Woodhouse Cemetery. 
And so passed away a man who, under happier circumstances, 
might have placed himself in the front rank of his science and made 
himself a name beyond his own town or county. 
CROSSGATES, NEAR LEEDs. Wm. NELSON. 
Naturalist, 
oD 
