The late Dr. Voelcker. 
321 
Augustus Voelcker, who, to ensure success, has only to profit 
by the training and example of which he has had the advantage. 
It can hardly be inappropriate, even in an Agricultural 
Journal, to refer to other qualities than scientific attainment, 
indefatigable industry, and integrity of purpose and conduct, 
which contributed to form the character as a whole of our 
lamented friend. From the time of his residence in Edinburgh 
on first coming to this country, he took very great interest 
in religious movements of various kinds ; and so earnest was 
he in such matters, that when the Laboratory in Hanover Square 
was opened he made it a stipulation that he should be free on 
the days of the meetings of the Committee of the British and 
Foreign Bible Society, at which he had previously been, and 
was afterwards, a constant attendant. 
There can be little doubt that his life was shortened by over- 
work. On Sunday, December 23, 1883, he had a not severe 
attack of paralysis, but it was such as to indicate that absolute 
rest was essential for some considerable time. The Council of 
the Society showed every consideration in the matter, and 
requested him to devote six months to the restoration of his 
health. As soon, however, as he felt some recovery of strength, 
it was impossible to restrain him from returning more or less 
to his active duties. He had no return of paralysis, but in 
August, 1884, symptoms of heart disease, with other compli- 
cations, supervened. From this time he never really rallied, 
and he died on the morning of December 5, For some weeks 
he had suffered intensely ; and on the occasion of my last visit 
to him, not many days before his death, his sufferings were 
indeed very painful to witness. His mind was, however, per- 
fectly clear •, he fully recognised his position, and was entirely 
resigned to it. He passed away quietly, and without any pain 
towards the last. 
It only remains to call attention to the portrait which accom- 
panies this notice on p. 309. To those who knew him, it will 
serve as a very pleasant reminder ; and to those who did not, it 
will convey a faithful impression of him as he was in his days of 
health and active life. 
VOL. XXI. — S. S. 
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