96 REMINISCENCES. [ch. iv. 



precious time and strength were willingly given. He un- 

 doubtedly had, to an unusual degree, the power of attaching 

 his friends to him. He had many warm friendships, but to 

 Sir Joseph Hooker he was bound by ties of affection stronger 

 than we often see among men. He wrote in his Recollec- 

 tions, " I have known hardly any man more lovable than 

 Hooker." 



His relationship to the village people was a pleasant one ; 

 he treated them, one and all, with courtesy, when he came 

 in contact with them, and took an interest in all relating to 

 their welfare. Some time after he came to live at Down he 

 helped to found a Friendly Club, and served as treasurer for 

 thirty years. He took much trouble about the club, keeping 

 its accounts with minute and scrupulous exactness, and 

 taking pleasure in its prosperous condition. Every Whit- 

 Monday the club marched round with a band and banner 

 and paraded on the lawn in front of the house. There he 

 met them, and explained to them their financial position in 

 a little speech seasoned with a few well-worn jokes. He was 

 often unwell enough to make even this little ceremonv an 

 exertion, but I think he never failed to meet therrt. 



He was also treasurer of the Coal Club, which gave him 

 a certain amount of work, and he acted for some vears as a 

 County Magistrate. 



With regard to mv father's interest in the affairs of the 

 village, Mr. Brodie Innes has been so good as to give me 

 his recollections : 



" On my becoming Vicar of Down in 1846, we became 

 friends, and so continued till his death. His conduct 

 towards me and my family was one of unvarying kindness, 

 and we repaid it by warm affection. 



" In all parish matters he was an active assistant ; in 

 matters connected with the schools, charities, and other 

 business, his liberal contribution was ever ready, and in the 

 differences which at times occurred in that, as in other par- 

 ishes, I was always sure of his support. He held that 

 where there was really no important objection, his assist- 

 ance should be given to the clergyman, who ought to know 

 the circumstances best, and was chiefly responsible." 



His intercourse with strangers was marked with scrupu- 

 lous and rather formal politeness, but in fact he had few 

 opportunities of meeting strangers, and the quiet life he led 

 at Down made him feel confused in a large gathering ; for 

 instance, at the Royal Society's soirees he felt oppressed by 



