Our Science of Zoology has suffered a most severe loss by the death, at his residence, 26, Stanhope Gardens, on the 1st of July last, of Sir William Flower, until lately Director of the Natural History Departments of the British Museum, and for the last twenty years President of the Zoological Society of London.
Sir William had been, as is well known, in failing health for the past two years, and was compelled in 1898, under medical advice, to resign his important office at South Kensington. He passed the last winter with his family at San Remo, where it was hoped that perfect rest in a favourable climate might tend to restore him. But this was not to be the case, and he came back to England in May last with but little prospect of an ultimate recovery, as was painfully evident to the few friends who saw him after his return.
William Henry Flower, the son of Mr. Edward F. Flower, and member of a well-known family at Stratford-on-Avon, was born on Nov. 30th, 1831, and was educated for the medical profession at University College, London. When the Crimean War took place he entered the army as Assistant Surgeon, and served in the hospitals throughout the campaign, receiving the Crimean Medal with four clasps, as well as that given by the Turkish Government. On his return to this country young Flower, who