140 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



no doubt that he has made the island the first ornithological 

 observatory in Europe. Almost every inhabitant was trained by 

 him to observe and note the coming and going of the various 

 species which visit that island during the seasons of passage, and 

 almost every rare or unknown bird was brought to him for 

 identification. 



Of very tall and commanding presence, with flowing hair and 

 beard (he reminded one always of what one pictured King Lear 

 to have been), Gatke possessed an extremely genial and pleasant 

 manner, and was a most entertaining companion. Always ready 

 to impart information, he placed his notes most unreservedly at 

 the disposal of any ornithologist who visited the island; and it is 

 well known that the various articles on migration published by 

 the late Mr. Henry Seebohm were based almost entirely on data 

 obtained during his visit to Heligoland from the note-books of 

 Mr. Gatke. 



The writer some years ago spent a fortnight on the island 

 with Mr. Gatke, and can testify to his extreme anxiety to render 

 the visit of a fellow-ornithologist as pleasant and instructive as 

 possible ; and a more home-like, happy circle than that in his 

 house would be difficult to find. Although of German origin, he 

 spoke and wrote English like an Englishman, and was in some 

 respects even more English than German. 



Those who have known and learnt to appreciate his sterling 

 worth will grieve deeply for him ; but though he has gone his 

 work remains, and his ' Vogelwarte Helgoland' will stand as a 

 monument of industry and careful observation, carried on during 

 a long and useful life. His intellect remained unimpaired to 

 the last few days, and his end was a most peaceful one, carefully 

 tended as he was by his devoted family. 



H. E. Dresser. 



