[In the course of this work, it has been our pleasing duty to refer to numerous authors, ancient and modern, on whose authority, in the various branches of Archæology, our observations have been frequently based; and now that we are closing another volume, it would be injustice to the memory of departed worth to pass over in comparative silence the author of "Tinterne Abbey and its Vicinity." MR. W. HEARDE THOMAS, by whose premature death the republic of letters has lost a zealous and valuable contributor, was many years a medical practitioner in the retired village of Tinterne-Parva; where, in the exercise of his profession among a widely-scattered population, he had daily opportunities of visiting those classic and time-hallowed remains with which the county of Monmouth is so greatly enriched, and thus collected materials for the local guide-book which associates his name so favourably with Tinterne Abbey and other historical sites, which have recently passed under our notice. The merits of his little work-far above the ordinary hand-books of the day—were speedily noticed by the press in terms of approbation and encouragement. To the various objects which he undertook to illustrate, he brought the united tastes and acquirements of historian, antiquary, and poet-the result of much reading, close observation, and a delicate perception of those natural beauties which are so profusely scattered along the banks of the Wye. To these were added an early taste for Natural history,* which was assiduously and successfully cultivated during his residence at Tinterne. To him the embroidery of flowers, the "garniture of fields "-mountain, forest, and "minnowy brook," were objects of never-failing interest and contemplation, the results of which he had purposed in due time to lay before the public. For the prosecution of these studies, a visit to Canada, and personal examination of its natural history, had given him various facilities not to be acquired on this side of the Atlantic. But his constitution, naturally delicate, had slowly given way under the combined influence of mental and bodily fatigue; and when overtaken at last by the heaviest of domestic calamities—the death of his wife-such was the prostration of his health and spirits, that, as a last resource, he made preparation to emigrate to one of our colonies, where the effects of a genial climate were held out as the only means of re-establishing his health, and opening a wider and safer field for the exercise of professional tålent and industry. This cheering prospect, however, was but a glimpse of sunshine, that soon disappeared in disappointment and darkness. A rapid journey to London, at an inclement season, induced a train of symptoms which, assuming a more and more decided character, continued their fatal progress until arrested by the hand of death, which took place in December, 1848. He died in the prime of life, having survived his wife one brief twelvemonth, and left behind him an infant family, with "a father's blessing for their patrimony," for whom no better wish can be expressed by his friends than that they may inherit their father's virtues, without his sorrows. These orphans were immediately transferred to the care of a near relative, under whose affectionate guardianship and devoted care they have already shown evidence of an intellectual capacity that expands by cultivation, and promises to bring forth good fruit in its season. As far as the loss of parents could be supplied at their tender age, it has been supplied by this relativewhose delicacy must not be hurt by any commendation from a stranger, whose only object, in thus closing the volume, is to record his admiration of Genius that so often flourishes and fades in the shade; yet, strong in the faith that looks for a better country, feels that the trials of this life are all softened, if not disarmed, by the practice of virtue, and a humble reliance on the promises of God. In the little churchyard of Tinterne-Parva-which he had so feelingly described-repose the remains of William Hearde Thomas, and the short-lived partner of his joys and sorrows.] His work on Osteology-written during the time he acted as Demonstrator in one of the metropolitan schools, and before he had reached his twentieth year-did him great credit. END OF THE SECOND SERIES. PRINTED BY VIRTUE AND CO., CITY ROAD, LONI ON. BIBLIOTHECA 56 1 |
