“ As a writer Professor Barnes was not voluminous, but very effective. He never wrote for the sake of writing, but because he had something to say. He had a style and a grasp that are sadly lacking in most scientific writing today. He felt that clear statement comes naturally from clear understanding, and that muddy statement throws suspicion on the understanding. When the organizing instinct of the teacher deals with clear and sharp-cut statements, the result is a presentation that is a real contribution not only to knowedge, but also to good writing. ”

“ In 1883 Professor Barnes became coeditor of the Botanical Gazette, and for twenty-seven years filled this position with remarkable efficiency. He had the editorial genius, which entered into every detail, from general policy to printing. He was complete master of all the details that belong to such work, and was continuously solicitous as to form, accuracy, and high standards of every kind. He was especially expert in the work of illustration, and with remarkable patience corrected the blunders of inexperienced or careless contributors. ”

“ The intellectual horizon of Professor Barnes swept in a much larger circle than his professional subject. No man had wider interests, or brought to them a saner mind. There was no assurance or dogmatism on the one hand, or no wabbling uncertainty on the other. ”