196 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



Heteroptera of the British Isles," which he had been anxious 

 to secure. He was eagerly helping those who were preparing 

 lists of other groups. 



Of Ord, the man, it is not possible for one who knew 

 him well to write without enthusiasm. He had been sickly 

 in his youth, but he grew stronger with his years after 

 coming to Glasgow, and developed into a robust -looking 

 man. His face was striking, expressing when at rest great 

 concentration, with a dash of scorn in the region of the 

 mouth. He had a good voice, spoke readily and well, was 

 a trenchant debater, and when he became animated his 

 Aberdonian accent was pronounced, adding a touch of 

 piquancy to his speech in our Western ears. His informa- 

 tion covered a wide field ; he was well read in literature and 

 history, and for a time mixed in local politics, his sympathies 

 being advanced. His natural ability was above the common 

 order. In the field he was the most cheerful of companions. 

 Under such circumstances " joyousness " seemed to be the 

 dominant note of his life. His nature was singularly 

 noble and self-sacrificing. Prone to debate, he was, by 

 those who had not the privilege of his acquaintance, mis- 

 judged on this account, as he also was from his some- 

 times oracular manner ; but no one, however well he knew 

 him, could ever discover in his lofty nature any of the 

 dross of passion. His love for nature rested on an 

 aesthetic, as well as a scientific basis. He was opposed to 

 " collecting " on general grounds, set a good example to 

 others in this respect, and favoured all reasonable measures 

 for protection. A thorough democrat, he was no respecter 

 of persons ; but he had in large measure that " reverence for 

 life," the absence of which in naturalists Mr. Ruskin has 

 deplored. His end came with a suddenness almost tragic, 

 and those great hopes which we had built on the foundation 

 of his character and capacity are irretrievably wrecked. He 

 was our " marvellous boy," and all who knew him well will 

 cherish the memory of a bright and disinterested spirit. 

 JOHN PATERSON. 



