IX 



may not be brought into connexion with the fact of his incomplete 

 acceptance of the leading doctrines of Darwinism. 



" He was well versed in literature, and turned for refreshment in 

 hours of weariness to his favourite Scott. Political memoirs of his 

 own time were read with the keenest relish, for he had early learned 

 from his father, Dr. Lant Carpenter, to take a high view of a citizen's 

 obligations, and the Bristol riots, which he had witnessed, made a 

 life-long impression upon him. A brief sojourn in Italy called forth 

 a susceptibility to the enjoyment of art which was a surprise even to 

 himself ; and in music, from the time that he had taught himself as a 

 young man to play on the organ, he found unfailing recreation. 

 Nature, likewise, in her vaster as well as her microscopic forms, was 

 for him full of charm and delight, and from every excursion he carried 

 back memories which remained singularly vivid and distinct. In 

 society his immense stores of information, his sympathetic interest in 

 others, his thorough enjoyment of humour though he felt unable to 

 originate it, made him a genial and ever-welcome companion, while 

 his friends learned how strong a confidence might be placed in his 

 faithfulness. Many young men found unexpected help and encourage- 

 ment in him, and he rejoiced when he could open a way to those who 

 were involved in the struggles through which he had himself once 

 passed. The dominant conception of his life — as was fitting in one 

 of Puritan descent — was that of duty. And if this sometimes took 

 austere forms, and led him to frame expectations which others could 

 not always satisfy, an enlarging experience mellowed his judgment 

 and enabled him to apprehend their position from their point as well 

 as his own. "Released from the pressure and strain of earlier life, he 

 was able to give freer play to his rich affections ; and in his own 

 family they only know what they have lost who will never again on 

 earth feel his support as husband and father, brother and friend." 



E. R. L. 



