The Chicago Academy of Sciences. 13 



stop at Nicaragua. While crossing - the isthmus, con- 

 siderable collecting - was done, and many interesting 

 and valuable specimens were gathered. The remarka- 

 ble energy of Mr. Kennicott, always apparent, was 

 most marked at this time, and he was unanimously 

 chosen by his associates as captain of the voyage. 

 Continuing their journey, the party arrived at San 

 Francisco on April 25. While there, Mr. Kennicott 

 was notified of his election to the office of " Director of 

 the Academy." This action of the board of trustees 



ROBERT KENNICOTT. 



was taken at a meeting held April 7, 1865. He tele- 

 graphed his acceptance of this added honor. 



From this expedition, so auspiciously begun, and 

 so successfully conducted, Mr. Kennicott never 

 returned to resume the duties of his office. He died 

 very suddenly, and while alone, May 13, 1866, on the 

 banks of the Nulato river, amid the eternal solitudes 

 of that remote and desolate region. 



In his death the Academy and science lost one of 

 their most devoted followers — one who from early boy- 

 hood had pursued his investigations with ardor and 



