Professor Ch. Fred. Harff, M. A. — Simonds. 71 
His industry, patience and devotion served us as an example ; 
his enthusiasm aroused us — we seemed to share with him liis 
labor. Research, investigation, they had for us a different 
meaning now — had we not seen the truth-seeiier as he unrav- 
eled nature's secrets? Manuscripts, drawings, publications, 
conversations in the brief intervals of rest, — all kept the 
youthful mind in a glow of healthful excitement. And soon, 
under his fostering care, some of the advanced and special 
students began the preparation of original papers, 
A glimpse of his inner life ma}' be had from this bit of con- 
versation held, in my presence, with a lady visitor. After 
explaining that he rarely made formal calls, he glanced kind- 
ly towards a group of his students, saying, "These are my as- 
sociates — my friends." This was characteristic of professor 
Hartt. He was affectionately bound to those with whom he 
worked, — they constituted the little world of his daily exist- 
ence. And the feelings of confidence and esteem so manifest 
to them were reciprocated by that youthful band, who, in- 
spired by the work and words of their beloved professor have 
since carried on geological teaching and investigation.* 
Hartt recognized fully the importance of field work as a part 
of geological training. The glens and gorges about Ithaca 
afforded ample cf)]lecting grounds, not to mention the oppor- 
tunities offered for more extended exploration b}' the forma- 
tions exposed along the shore of Cayuga lake. Annual excur- 
sions to interesting localities were also planned for members of 
the classes in the elementary courses and such others as wished 
to join them. In tiie latter part of May, 1873, over 80 students 
under his guidance visited the coal mines and kindred inter- 
ests at Scranton, Pa., and tlie following year a large party 
visited the gorge and falls at Niagara. 
*0f tils former students now actively engaged in scientific pursuits, 
mention may be made of Dr. J. C Branner, of Stanford University, 
California; Dr. Tlieo. B. Comstock. lately president of the University 
of Arizona: Dr. O. A. Derby, of S;io Paulo, Brazil: professor H. L. Fair- 
child, of the University of Rochester. New York: Hon. W. F. E. Gurley, 
State Geologist of Illinois: Mr. Richard Rathbun, of the U. S. Fish 
Commi.ssion, Washington, D. C: Mr. If. H. Smith, of i5rooklyn. New 
Yorli: and Dr. F. W. Simonds, of the University of Texas. Further, 
his influence over the large classes which always thronged his lecture 
room was great, and to-day, widely scattered over our country, may be 
found men, in educational and other fields of usefulness, who owe much 
to tfie inspiring personaUty of tfieir teacher. 
