Blatchley, W. S., American naturalist and geologist, born 1859. Has taken part in many important geological surveys, and is State geologist of Indiana. Among his writings are “Gleanings from Nature,” and many important highly technical contributions to State scientific publications.
Bruner, L., American professor of entomology and ornithology at the University of Nebraska, born 1566. Is the State entomologist of Nebraska. Has written “An Introduction to the Study of Entomology,” and some papers on the locusts of Argentina, as well as many technical scientific reports in State papers, etc.
Burroughs, John, American essayist, born 1837. Has written much on nature observation. Among his books are “Wake Robin,” “Winter Sunshine,” “Birds and Poets,” “Pepacton,” “Fresh Fields,” “Signs and Seasons,” etc. He was at first a school teacher, then a clerk of the treasury, then a national bank examiner, and he now lives on a farm, devoting himself to literature and fruit culture.
Hopley, Mrs. C. C., an English author who lived much in America, and made a special study of “Snakes,” on which subject she wrote a great deal. Her book entitled “Snakes” is the most important record of her work.
Huxley, T. H., Famous English biologist, born 1825; died 1895. Was assistant surgeon in the navy, then professor of natural history, rector of Aberdeen University, and president of the Royal Society. Among his books are, “Evidences as to Man’s Place in Nature,” “Comparative Anatomy,” “Lay Sermons,” “Critiques and Addresses,” “Physiography,” “The Crayfish,” “Science and Culture,” “Evolution and Ethics,” “The Anatomy of Invertebrate Animals,” etc.
Jefferies, Richard, born near Swindon, Wiltshire, Nov. 6, 1848; died Aug. 14, 1887. A naturalist whose fascinating writings were recognized as classics only after his death. Among his most popular books are, “The Gamekeeper at Home” (1878), “Wild Life in a Southern Country” (1879), “The Amateur Poacher” (1880), “Round About a Great Estate” (1881), “Nature Near London,” and “The Story of My Heart” (1883), “Red Deer” (1884), and “The Open Air” (1885).
Jordan, David Starr, President Leland Stanford, Jr., University; born Gainesville, N.Y., Jan. 19, 1851; graduated Cornell M. S., 1872; M. D. Indiana Medical College, 1875; (Ph.D. Butler University, 1878; LL.D. Cornell University, 1886). Held chairs in various collegiate institutions, 1872–79; assistant to U. S. Fish Commission, 1877–91; professor of zoölogy 1879–85, and president 1885–91, Indiana University; president Leland Stanford Jr., University since 1891; president California Academy of Sciences 1896–98; also U. S. Commissioner in charge of fur-seal investigations, etc. Author: “A Manual of Vertebrate Animals of Northern United States,” “Science Sketches,” “Fishes of North and Middle America” (4 vols.); “Footnotes to Evolution,” “Matka and Kotik,” “Care and Culture of Men,” “The Innumerable Company,” “Imperial Democracy,” “Animal Life,” “Animal Forms,” “The Strength of Being Clean,” “Standeth God within the Shadow,” also numerous papers on Ichthyology, in procedures of various societies and government bureaus.
Maeterlink, Maurice, Belgian dramatist and poet, born 1864. He began early to write plays, which were translated into English and represented in London. He has written “Le Trésor des Humbles,” “Aglavaine and Selysette,” “Pélléas and Melisande,” “The Intruder,” “Princess Maleine,” “Wisdom and Destiny.” He has been called the “Belgian Shakespeare.”
Morley, Margaret W., author and teacher, born 1858. Has taught in New York State and in the West. She is the author of “A Song of Life,” “Life and Love,” “A Few Familiar Flowers,” “Flowers and their Friends,” “The Bee People,” “The Honey Makers,” “Seed Babies,” “Little Wanderers,” “Wasps and their Ways,” etc.
Thoreau, Henry David, born at Concord, Mass., July 12, 1817; died May 6, 1862. After his graduation from Harvard, in 1837, he helped his father make lead pencils. In 1839 he began his careful studies on nature, and made a voyage on the Concord and Merrimac Rivers described in his first book. His most popular work, “Walden, or Life in the Woods,” was published in 1854. After his death several volumes were made up from his voluminous diaries. His collected writings, in ten volumes, were published in 1893.