196 
THE JOURNAL OF BOTANY 
tins was founded was acquired some years since by the British Museum 
(Nat. Hist.). 
Pearson took an active part in local naturalist societies, frequently 
exhibited specimens and mounted preparations of hepatics at their 
meetings, and occasionally lectured on some aspect of his special study. 
As a member of the Manchester Museum Committee he rendered 
considerable service in making the reference collection of PLepaticce 
one of the best in the country ; his Catalogue of Hepaticce (1910) is 
one of the Museum Handbooks. Students of the structure of hepatics 
were assisted by him in the supply of material for study and in other 
ways, and the botanical literature of the last thirty years contains 
many references to his generous help. 
Pearson’s international reputation is indicated by the numerous 
species named in his honour—among them Jungermannia ( Spheno - 
lobus ) Pearsoni and Lepidozia Pearsoni by Spruce, Piccia and a 
Pazzania by Stephani, a Chinese Madotheca by Massalongo, and 
a Marsupella by Schiffner. 
During recent years one of Pearson’s greatest delights was to get 
a circle of bryologists round him on one of his happy hunting-grounds 
and, whilst the fragrant weed was indulged in, discourse in his genial 
way on his hobby. Many bryologists will recall the memory of such 
a discourse, during which Pearson, in his charming and modest way, 
delighted his audience with an account of the discovery or character¬ 
istic of some rare hepatic, or with a pleasant story of some association 
with a departed naturalist. He was especially interested in the 
various Working-men’s Societies which took up natural history, and 
was always ready to help them by his sympathy and advice. 
Pearson took a keen interest in the formation of the British 
Bryological Society, and at its inaugural meeting at Dolgelley last 
year was elected Vice-President. In the excursions he always joined, 
but, when the more active members ascended to the summit of Cader 
Idris, he had to content himself with work on the lower slopes, 
though one could see the glint of desire in his eyes. Early in the 
present year he had a serious attack of influenza, but appeared to have 
recovered. At Easter he joined his Bucksack Club friends at Bedd- 
gelert. Mr. I). A. Jones joined him there, and an enjoyable moss- 
trooping expedition to an altitude of about 2000 ft. resulted in 
finding Marsupella sphacelata and other rarities. On his return our 
mutual friend, Mr. Broome of Eailswortli (to whom I am greatly 
indebted for help in the preparation of this obituary notice), informs 
me that Pearson looked remarkably well, was full of enthusiasm over 
his Beddgelert trip, and planned with him a week-end in Derbyshire. 
He also arranged to exhibit specimens of hepatics at the Spring- 
Exhibition of the Manchester Microscopical Soc., of which he was a 
Vice-President, on April 28th. A bright day tempted him to go to 
business without an overcoat; a chill was the consequence and 
pneumonia developed; Pearson fought against it for several days, but 
succumbed at his residence, Palatine Boad, Withington, on April 19. 
His death came as a shock to the many comrades who were honoured 
with his friendship, cheered by his genial personality, and stimulated 
