Obituaries Australia

Yesterday afternoon there passed away from among us Francis Abbott, superintendent of the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Mr. Abbott had been in his usual good health, and during the morning of yesterday was about visiting the gardens. Shortly before midday he complained of not feeling very well. Dr. Benjafield, the family physician, was called in to see him. The deceased lay down, and during the afternoon, while conversing with his wife, quietly passed away. Mr. Abbott had been connected for over 50 years with the Botanical Gardens and obtained his professional education under Mr. Newman, who was superintendent of the Gardens (then known as the Royal Society's Gardens) from 1848 to 1859. On the death of Mr. Newman in 1859 the Council unanimously appointed Mr. Abbott to the vacant position, which he filled with credit and ability up to the time of his death. The deceased was also superintendent of the Public Reserves, and to him may be given the credit of the extensive planting of the many ornamental trees and shrubs in the Queen's Domain that now form such splendid beauty spots there. In all matters connected with horticulture, no warmer supporter could be found than Mr. Abbott. As a member of the Royal Society, he took a keen interest in its proceedings, contributing several papers. The deceased leaves a widow, but no family. Two nieces, who have lived with him for many years, were with him at the time of his death. The funeral will leave the residence of the deceased in the Botanical Gardens at 9.30 on Tuesday morning for the Cornelian Bay Cemetery.