14 a ESA U'DsU BOING BUF can 
In Memoriam 
The year just passed brought an irreparable loss to Ornithology in the 
demise of two long time members of the Illinois Audubon Society. 
Seldom has the death toll of a year numbered in its roster two men 
whose lives have exercised more far reaching influence, or who have left 
a greater number of appreciative friends, than Ruthven Deane and Jesse 
Lowe Smith. | 
Both were men of outstanding character and attainment, though 
coming from widely divergent environments and backgrounds. 
Meeting through a deep, common interest in ornithology, they were 
close friends for many years, and individually and together exerted a re- 
markable influence for the better knowledge and deeper understanding of 
the fascinating bird life of the Chicago region. 
Ruthven Deane 1851-1934 
Few men of the last half century have enjoyed a wider acquaintance 
with ornithologists and naturalists of note, than did Ruthven Deane. For 
many years his office was a mecca for naturalists visiting or passing through 
Chicago, many of them being invited to partake of the hospitality of the 
Deane home. Those who were so privileged ever remembered the occasion 
ASttareatredt. 7 | 
His boyhood was spent in Cambridge,. Mass., where until two years 
ago the Deane homestead, with its wealth of associations, was one of the 
historic homes in that center of culture. During his youth he was closely 
associated with a group of young men of like interests, most of whom in 
later years became famous ornithologists. | 
He was an active member of the American Ornithologists’ Union, 
from the beginning of its existence in 1883, and until last year had never 
missed attending its meetings. While Ruthven Deane was not a profes- 
sional ornithologist, he gave to the study of birds serious and highly in- 
telligent application, and extraordinary thoroughness, qualities that char- 
acterized all of his activities. 
He was a connoisseur of bookplates, of which he had a remarkable 
collection numbering over 8000, and by reason of his wide acquaintance his 
library contained hundreds of rare volumes, many of which were presenta- 
tion copies by the authors. His methodical temperament and _ retentive 
memory made him a living encyclopedia of nature lore, to whom mooted 
questions were referred for final decision. | 
One of the most interesting of his avocations was the collecting of 
photographs of orinthologists. The collection grew until it numbered over 
