THE COMSTOCK MEMORIAL 
21 
students become leaders in their chosen field of labor. I have seen 
the special subject which when a lad I chose for my specialty, but 
which was not then taught in any college, become a recognized part of 
the curricula of many colleges. And in our own University I have 
seen the growth of an appreciation of this subject and of financial 
support for it, far beyond the most sanguine dreams of my youth. 
I realize, however, that this great development of entomology is 
merely a minor part of the sweeping educational revolution that has 
taken place in our time and which was so clearly foreseen by the 
intellectual founder of this University, our beloved President White, 
and which has been so successfully promoted by the present Head of 
the University, President Schurman. 
The opportunity to take even a minor part in this great develop¬ 
ment should be sufficient reward for one having had that opportunity. 
I feel, therefore, that this testimonial is an excess of largesse; and 
had I been consulted in time I should have discouraged the offering 
of it. 
I hasten to say, however, that I am not ungrateful. Nothing 
could be more precious to a teacher than such evidence as this of the 
appreciation of him by his former students, and I wish to thank each 
and all for it. 
If a testimonial must be given, I think that nothing could be better 
than that chosen. It is not merely a thing of to-day, but will remain a 
help to students long after the occasion that suggested it is forgotten. 
Now that the time for my retirement is at hand, I wish to express 
publicly my appreciation of the loyalty to the entomological depart¬ 
ment exhibited by all of those who have been selected to carry on its 
work. In planning the reorganization of the department, for I was 
^permitted to make the plan that has been adopted, I found each of 
my colleagues more anxious to do what was best for the department 
than to advance his personal interests. I am happy to turn over 
what has been a child to me for the greater part of my lifetime to the 
care of those who are so unselfish, loyal and efficient. 
In conclusion I wish to transfer this fund that has been given to 
me to those who will care for it permanently and administer its income 
properly. I, therefore, President Schurman, ask you to accept it for 
Cornell University to keep in trust and to use its income for the 
purposes indicated by the donors of the fund. 
