1877.) Scientific News. 575 
trated with engravings. He also published a work on grape-vines, giv- 
ing the mode of making wine. After suffering many vicissitudes and 
losses in money, and having accumulated scientific treasures, he gave his 
entire attention to the science of botany. He traversed this continent 
from Nova Scotia to Mexico, from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky 
Mountains. In every State and Territory he pursued his way on foot 
and alone in his devotion, over valleys and mountains, often depending 
upon the kindness of Indian tribes. After several years of constant 
labor he returned to Philadelphia. He was a bachelor, consequently 
peculiar in his habits. He selected a garret for his labors, and abode in 
Race Street between Third and Fourth. In this secluded place, sur- 
rounded with his herbarium, his sketches, and pencil drawings, with hard 
cot and pillow, often with a bare loaf of bread, he performed his last 
work, The Family Flora and Medical Botany of the United States. 
This work on the science of botany was more extended and correct than 
anything before it. It was printed and published in 1828, by the late 
uel C. Atkinson, who established the Saturday Evening Post, Car- 
ter’s Alley. 
Without kindred, and with but one reliable friend, the late Dr. Mease, 
of Philadelphia, Rafinesque died in the year 1840. After his remains 
had been cared for by Dr. Mease, the body was stealthily removed 
(probably by creditors), and locked in an adjoining room of the house 
where he died. In presence of Dr. Mease and Mr. Bringhurst, under- 
taker, Eleventh Street, near Arch, the door was forced open, and the 
body was let down by ropes into the back yard and conveyed to its last 
place of rest. 
me sixteen years ago I called on Mr. Bringhurst, who assured me 
of these facts relating to the burial. I visited the burial ground. The 
Sexton referred to his records and took me to the grave of Rafinesque. 
A small painted head-board had the initials S. C. R. 
Rafinesque published several volumes and essays in the French and 
English languages. Two years since I forwarded his last work to the 
National Library of France, and received acknowledgment through the 
French consul, Philadelphia. — H. H. 
— The Central Pacific Railroad Company are doing a good work in 
tree planting, having already purchased forty thousand Eucalyptus trees 
to plant along the line of their road. This enterprising company intend 
anting certain species of the Eucalypti on each side of their right of 
Way through some five hundred miles of the valleys of California ; it is 
estimated that eight hundred thousand trees will be required for this 
Purpose. — R. E. C. S. 
Ton. Seal catching for oil is being pursued on the Point Reyes side of 
omales Bay, California, the average yield being about five gallons to 
the seal, worth fifty cents per gallon. 
