Page:A veteran naturalist - being the life and work of W.B. Tegetmeier (IA veterannaturalis00richuoft).pdf/13

INTRODUCTION Tegetmeier felt himself equipped to deal with his subject, whatever it might be, the proba- bility was there could be little more to learn concerning it.

The popular papers on Natural History topics which he contributed in such numbers to the columns of the Field, invariably displayed that close observation and study which distinguished his more scientific writings. It was natural to the man to investigate and sift: his was the scientific cast of mind which seeks out truth for its own sake, and will never be content with the superficial. It was this thoroughness, this determination to get at facts, which made his co-operation invaluable to his friend Darwin. How much that great man owed to Tegetmeier, readers of his works are aware. There can be no more eloquent tribute to the value of Tegetmeier's minute accuracy of observation, than the absolute reliance placed upon his work by Darwin. Tegetmeier always referred with pride and affection to the close association with which, for a quarter of a century, he worked in colla- boration with the famous naturalist.

Most men as they become advanced in years lose, to a greater or less extent, the interests which have served them during their life-time; but this was not the case with Tegetmeier. His high vitality, and the excellent health he enjoyed, were evidenced in old age by the wonderful