— 115 — 
illustrations. Like all those who practice descriptive science, he had recog- 
nized a great many times that descriptions, even when most complete, most 
precise (and how many there are that are neither precise nor complete), 
leave the enquirer perplexed with regard to the exact sense of the terms 
employed. He had arrived at the conviction that nothing throws more light 
on the text than a figure, even if roughly drawn and destitute of any artistic 
merit provided that it be exact. 
That is why he associated himself with the greatest eagerness in the 
gigantic work undertaken under the direction of M. Grandidier, “Histoire 
physique, naturelle et politique de Madagascar,” undertook to sketch for 
this work the mosses of Madagascar. The work is not yet finished, but, 
even so, it represents an important part of the bryological flora of Madagas- 
car ; 163 plates in quarto, have appeared, of which 130 are the exclusive work of 
Monsieur Renauld. Those who have gone through this folio have been able 
to convince themselves of the scientific value of the drawings, of their precis- 
ion and of the great importance of their bearing on the study of certain 
groups, which present great difficulties to a bryologist. We must also 
mention the 24 beautiful plates, which accompany the Supplement of the 
“ Prodrome ” and “ Essai sur les Leucoloma.” 
So much for the scholar. Whilst fulfilling scrupulously his professional 
obligations, and remaining an affectionate and devoted head of his family, 
he was able to produce the work of which we have just made a rapid sketch. 
The physignomy and the character of the man are not less noteworthy than 
the work of the scholar. One could not approach F. Renauld without being 
attracted by his handsone and noble appearance, by his smiling and sympa- 
thetic welcome, and without feeling for him keen affection and respectful 
admiration. Everything about him spoke of his kindness, and of the deli- 
cacy of his feelings, and his innate goodness was reflected even in his corres- 
pondence. For many years I had known him by his kindness and indul- 
gence and when, later, I had the good fortune to meet him in Paris, I experi- 
enced no surprise, for I found him such as I had always pictured him to 
myself. It seemed to me that I had known him for a long time and that I 
was meeting an old friend. His pasion for bryology joined to his natural 
goodness of heart, portrays him as one interested in young people — in 
beginners. While selfish minds are irritated by the sight of young volun- 
teers working at their side in the scientific field and wishing to make it their 
own sphere of work, he would act as their guide, helping them and encourag- 
ing them, giving them advice and the use of his own collection, finding for 
them an unexplored territory and a new mine to work, rejoicing always in 
their success. I will quote the instance of Jules Cardot who recently wrote 
to me: 
“ I have profited by the experience that Renauld already possessed as 
a bryologist; without his co-operation and encouragement, I think I never 
would have dared to enter upon the study of exotic bryology.” 
I look upon it as a religious duty hereto recall also what I myself owe to 
F. Renauld. It was he who suggested to me the idea of preparing the 
