THE NATURALISTS OF LAKELAND XXXI 



the Thick-toothed Grampus before this, but I strongly suspect, 

 entre nous, that he has a much greater "penchant" for the 

 "human form divine" than for fossil jaws or antediluvian 

 bones.' This letter concludes, ' Trusting you will bear the old 

 jaws in mind, and again thanking you for your note, Believe me, 

 Your obliged, T. C. Heysham.' 



That T. C. Heysham continued to enjoy the study of zoology 

 to the close of his life is, may be, exemplified by alluding to the 

 Crofton Surf Scoter mentioned at p. 305. The note regarding 

 the trachea of this bird is the latest fragment of T. 0. Heysham's 

 handwriting that has so far come to light. He had long lived 

 a retired existence, little understood by his fellow-townsmen, 

 who were far from being competent to form a correct estimate 

 of the researches of this remarkable man. Only recently, one 

 of the most distinguished of modern Cumbrians replied to an 

 inquiry regarding T. C. Heysham, that the great naturalist led 

 the life of a recluse, at the same time hinting that a man who 

 could expend his days in exploring the country on foot in search 

 of shells or insects, and who was content to spend his evenings 

 among his specimens, could hardly be looked upon as a perfectly 

 rational member of society. But though the citizens of Carlisle 

 failed to recognise the splendid versatility of Heysham's mental 

 powers, and though the fragments of notes brought together in 

 this volume are all that he has left to the naturalists who 

 followed him, there can be no question that the caution and 

 scientific precision which Heysham always brought to play upon 

 his collecting reacted favourably upon those with whom he 

 corresponded, and that he was able to teach them many things, 

 and thus to influence, indirectly but certainly, the labours of 

 those who were his contemporary naturalists. His death took 

 place at his house in Fisher Street, Carlisle, on the 6th of April, 

 1857. Although the end came suddenly, — his housekeeper 

 entered his room as usual on the Monday morning, to find that 

 he had quietly slept away during the night, — he had long 

 suffered indifferent health, and for several weeks had felt 

 seriously unwell. Had he lived until the following autumn, he 

 would have completed his sixty- sixth year. 



