Horn.) 298 (Nov. 16, 
fication as remarkable in novelty as it was true to nature. This was fol- 
lowed in 1876 by the ‘‘ Species of Rhynchophora,’’ published as a separate 
volume of the Proceedings of our Society. 
The preliminary studies having been completed, LeConte's desires 
seemed to be concentrated in the preparation of a new ‘‘ classification,’’ 
which should be complete in all its parts. He invited my coédperation in 
the preparation of monographic essays, hoping thereby to lighten his own 
labor, and prepare the work in a shorter time. Two years ago, when he 
realized that his health was failing, he expressed the desire that I should 
join him in more active authorship in the work. The first pages went to 
press in January, 1882, and the book was completed in March of this year, 
in time for him to realize that it has been, at least, well received. For 
obvious reasons I cannot dwell upon the merits even of his share of this 
work, except to say that his earlier edition is the basis of the present ; with- 
out the former the latter might not have appeared. Evidences of his in- 
fluence will be fotind on every page, and whatever it was my privilege to 
contribute was made possible entirely by his early instruction and guid- 
ance, 
Since last spring he has done but little study, his general health, uncer- 
tain vision and unsteady hand having unfitted him for close application. 
He, however, continued work in the form of ‘‘short studies,’’ until with- 
in a few days of his death, and the incomplete manuscript now in my 
hands will appear in the form in which he desired to present it. 
While LeConte’s reputation as a naturalist will rest upon his entomo- 
logical writings, he did not limit himself to this field. Mention has already 
been made of several important geological contributions ; there are others 
of less moment. He has contributed a number of articles on Vertebrate 
Paleontology, and several synopses of some genera of rodents. His ‘‘Zod- 
logical Notes of a Visit to Panama,’’ illustrate the extent of his study in 
another department of science. At least one article on purely social 
science, has emanated from his pen. 
In a general review of LeConte’s writings, we find them remarkably free 
from controversial tendencies. He gave to science the results of careful 
study, knowing that in time whatever was worthy would be adopted. His 
dissent from the views of another was always couched in the mildest 
terms. He was above the limit of those petty jealousies which too often 
prevail between those working in the same field. 
Numerous were the demands for his advice and assistance from all parts 
of the country ; rarely did he repel them, and no small portion of his time 
was consumed in the determination of specimens for correspondents, with 
no other reward than the hope that the seed thus sown might some day 
bear fruit. 
The results of LeConte’s works in Coleopterology in America are plainly 
marked, Ie entered the field ten years after the death of Say, who seems 
to have had no higher ambition, if indeed capacity, than the description of 
the species which he collected. LeConte, on the other hand, began the 
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