86 THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST. 



His acquirements as a naturalist were due to his private studies alone, for at tlie 

 period when his character was forming there were but few or none engeged in 

 kinlred pursuits, and f3W libraries to which he could resort for knowedge and 

 assistance. But notwithstanding the deficiency of his means and opportunities, he 

 possessed himself of the learning and accomplishments of the day in a mUch greater 

 degree than could have been expected in his position, and on the termination of the 

 European wars he was ready to make that advance in the branch of knowledge to 

 which he had devoted himself, which has associated his name with the history of 

 zoology in the United States, and which ought to entitle him to the honor of being 

 styled its founder. 



His published works extended through a period of eighteen years, until his 

 death in 1834, and embrace descriptions of a vast number of animals until then un* 

 known, or but imperfectly understood. The invertebrate classes received the 

 greater part of his attention, and his contributions to their history form an impor- 

 tant portion of the means of any writer who seeks now more fully to elucidate 

 them. His descriptions were mostly clear and accurate, and his species have stood 

 the test of criticism. 



At that early period the shells of California were not well known, and hence 

 we find Mr. Say's name occurring but seldom in our lists. It is found chiefly in 

 connection with certain forms of fresh water shells, as Physa heterostropha. Say, a 

 little sinistral water-snail, which lives also in Eastern brooks. But our exchanges 

 bring his name often to our notice, and we are glad to know and respect so great an 

 early American naturalist. 



RESPONSE TO «THE MORNING AIR/ 



Dear friend afar, 'The Morning Air,' 



Electrifies my heart. 

 And all my pulses thrill with joy 

 » To have in it a part. 



May ocean breezes fan you still 



And every joy be thine, 

 And truest friendship find a place, 



Round that sweet home to twine. 



Though all the charms that nature holds, 



In brightest robes arrayed. 

 Round thee cluster, forget me not— 



Of this I'm not afraid. 



Long may the 'Scientist' endure 



To edify the land. 

 And tell the name of every flower 

 That blooms upon the strand, 

 New York City, August 19. S. t. f> 



