OBITUARY GEORGE SIM, A.L.S. 133 



introduction on the extent and physical features of the dis- 

 trict included in " Dee," it is occupied with an account of the 

 Vertebrata known to him from this region by personal 

 observation, or from the work of others, whether published or 

 communicated personally to him. It contains a very great 

 amount of information, and its value is increased by the cor- 

 rection of errors in records previously published. It will 

 remain a permanent monument to the unwearied and self- 

 denying labours of a true naturalist, whose constant aim it 

 was to discover and to state the truth as it appeared to him 

 to exist, and who never spared himself in that quest. 



The scanty education received in youth was felt by him 

 in later life, but was largely made good by private study, 

 whenever he could find time. He was an omnivorous reader, 

 books of travels being especial favourites, but a wide range 

 of other subjects being also studied. His wanderings as a 

 journeyman tailor had brought him into many new scenes, 

 had widened his outlook on life, and had strengthened his 

 own character and his desire to help his comrades in the 

 struggle and temptations of life. In later years he travelled 

 in France, Italy, and other parts of Europe, visiting museums, 

 picture galleries, and other places of interest. 



Reserved and silent with strangers, or in uncongenial 

 company, Mr. Sim was held in most esteem by those who 

 knew him most intimately, for only they could learn to 

 estimate aright the sterling worth of his character and the 

 width of his information, while even to most of his friends 

 certain kindly traits were seldom if ever revealed. 



In 1886 he was elected an Associate by the Linnean 

 Society, a recognition well deserved, and appreciated by 

 him. He was for many years an active member and office- 

 bearer in the Aberdeen Natural History Society, and was an 

 Honorary-President of the vigorous Aberdeen Working 

 Men's Natural History and Scientific Society. 



He was of spare frame and almost ascetic appearance, and 

 did not look fit to bear the unceasing activity and unsparing 

 demands that his business and even his relaxations made on 

 his bodily strength, but he reached the age of seventy-three, 

 dying in his home in Aberdeen on I5th June 1908. 



J. W. H. T. 



