xcvi 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



the intention of crossing the glacier-bound central range to the 

 west coast — an arduous journey for a man at his age, but one of the 

 most interesting, geographically, geologically, and botanically, that 

 could be undertaken in New Zealand. From this he was destined 

 never to return. The intelligence of his death was first received from 

 his companion Dr. Haast, the geologist to the party, and afterwards, 

 in more detail, from his old and attached friend and fellow-botanist, 

 C. Knight, Esq., F.L.S., of Auckland. He was drowned in an im- 

 prudent attempt to cross the swollen Raugitata Eiver on foot, at a 

 ford where the stream is divided by an island. Dr. Sinclair appears 

 to have crossed with his horse to the island ; but the animal having 

 there escaped from him, he proceeded on foot into the second branch, 

 when, the current proving too strong, he was carried down ; and the 

 body was discovered, some time afterwards, lying on a spit of sand. 



Thus was lost a valuable friend to science and a most amiable and 

 excellent man. He was remarkable for shrewdness of character, 

 ardent love of knowledge, readiness in communicating it, and as an 

 assiduous collector of plants and animals. He made no pretensions 

 to a knowledge of scientific subjects, though he read largely and 

 often observed well. Of ancient and modern history and belles 

 lettres he was extremely fond, and on these subjects his stores of 

 information were both varied and great. He had a keen relish for 

 society, great love of music and art, and was a most engaging com- 

 panion in the bush or at sea, and to old or young in the drawing- 

 room or school-room. He was never married; but many will mourn 

 his loss, as that of a most judicious, disinterested, and warm-hearted 

 friend ; and his name will ever be prominent as one of the pioneers 

 of botanical discovery on the Pacific coasts of America and in New 

 Zealand, and as the active promoter of all branches of science in that 

 colony. 



Joseph Sheldon CraclocJc Wilkinson, Esq., M.R.C.S.Eng., was a 

 medical practitioner at Great Marlow, Bucks. Ho was elected into 

 the Society on the 7th Eobruary, 1837, and died at the ago of 52, 

 on the 18th of Juno, 1861. 



FoilETGN MEMBERS. 



Charles Louis Blume, M.D., was born at Leyden in the year 

 1 796. He was educated for the medical profession, and, soon after 

 taking oil degree, proceeded to Java, whore ho had the principal 

 medical charge of the colony, and, on the retirement of Rein ward t 

 in L823, was made Superintendent of the Botanic Garden at Bui ton - 

 zorg. About the same time he was specially directed by the en- 



